Andrena vicina
This record describes Andrena vicina (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Combination of relatively large size, black tibial scopa, all pale thoracic hairs (including ventral surfaces, unlike the otherwise similar A. carlini and A. regularis ), and all black metasoma is distinctive. The similar A. dunningi has a brownish scopa (not all black) and the thoracic hairs are orangish, not grayish-tan. One of the most common and conspicuous Andrena species in eastern North America
Wikipedia reference for Andrena vicina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrena_vicina.
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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
woodlands, orchards, etc.
Geographic Range
Widespread across NA Discover Life Global Map
Seasonal Activity
spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Orchard trees, blueberries, Viburnum, etc. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Smith, 1853. The epithet alludes to the common name and the tendency of this species to nest within our gardens and orchards.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena vicina. 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 vicina (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Ted Kropiewnicki , John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena vicina
What is Andrena vicina?
Andrena vicina is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Andrena vicina?
Combination of relatively large size, black tibial scopa, all pale thoracic hairs (including ventral surfaces, unlike the otherwise similar A. carlini and A. regularis ), and all black metasoma is distinctive. The similar A. dunningi has a brownish scopa (not all black) and the thoracic hairs are orangish, not grayish-tan.
Where is Andrena vicina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | woodlands, orchards, etc. |
| Range | Widespread across NA Discover Life Global Map |
What does Andrena vicina eat?
The diet of the Andrena vicina includes Orchard trees, blueberries, Viburnum, etc. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Andrena vicina active?
Andrena vicina: seasonal activity - spring.