Andrena pertristis
This record describes Andrena pertristis (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Nominative subspecies Andrena (Melandrena) pertristis pertristis has entirely dark vestiture in females. Subspecies carliniformis has pale hair on thoracic dorsum, superficially resembling A. (Melandrena) carlini . Males of both subspecies are identical even in color (Bouseman & LaBerge, 1978), with white to pale ochraceous hair on thoracic dorsum. Females of both subspecies have incomplete flocculus on hind trochanters.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Andrenidae (Miner, Fairy, Allied Panurgine, and Oxaeine Bees)
- Subfamily
- Andreninae
- Genus
- Andrena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cockerell, 1905
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena pertristis. 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 pertristis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , John S. Ascher , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena pertristis
What is Andrena pertristis?
Andrena pertristis is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Andrena pertristis?
Females 12-16 mm Males
How do you identify Andrena pertristis?
Nominative subspecies Andrena (Melandrena) pertristis pertristis has entirely dark vestiture in females. Subspecies carliniformis has pale hair on thoracic dorsum, superficially resembling A. (Melandrena) carlini . Males of both subspecies are identical even in color (Bouseman & LaBerge, 1978), with white to pale ochraceous hair on thoracic dorsum. Females of both subspecies have incomplete flocculus on hind trochanters.