Andrena praecox
This record describes Andrena praecox (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 11 mm. This is a blackish bee with grey hairs. The female having more body hairs than the male. 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’). Heathland and open woodland where there is sufficient sallow to support populations of this bee. Early March to the end of April or early May. Rather local, but often common where it does occur, throughout much of southern Britain, as far north as south Yorkshire. No additional images available for this species.
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
Heathland and open woodland where there is sufficient sallow to support populations of this bee.
Seasonal Activity
Early March to the end of April or early May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in colonies.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Rather local, but often common where it does occur, throughout much of southern Britain, as far north as south Yorkshire.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena praecox. 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 praecox (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena praecox
What is Andrena praecox?
Andrena praecox is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Andrena praecox?
8 to 11 mm. This is a blackish bee with grey hairs. The female having more body hairs than the male.
Where is Andrena praecox found?
Habitat: Heathland and open woodland where there is sufficient sallow to support populations of this bee.
When is Andrena praecox active?
Andrena praecox: seasonal activity - Early March to the end of April or early May..
What is the life cycle of a Andrena praecox?
Nests in colonies.