Andrena minutula
This record describes Andrena minutula (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 7 mm. This is a small mainly black bee with sparse silvery grey hairs. Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings. Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used. We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’). Visits various flowers for nectar and pollen. Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Andrenidae
- Genus
- Andrena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Visits various flowers for nectar and pollen.
Seasonal Activity
March to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in bare sandy ground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena minutula. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Andrena minutula (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena minutula
What is Andrena minutula?
Andrena minutula is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Andrena minutula?
5 to 7 mm. This is a small mainly black bee with sparse silvery grey hairs.
Where is Andrena minutula found?
Habitat: Visits various flowers for nectar and pollen.
When is Andrena minutula active?
Andrena minutula: seasonal activity - March to September..
What is the life cycle of a Andrena minutula?
Nests in bare sandy ground.