Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee Hymenoptera: Andrenidae - mining bees

Andrena ovatula
Small Gorse Mining Bee



Can be locally common in southern England but recorded less frequently from central England. Prefers legume-rich areas with sandy or gravelly soils.

Bivoltine, March to late May and June to mid September

Polylectic (Fabaceae). Spring brood mainly gathers pollen from Gorse, summer brood also from vetches, birds-foot-trefoil, clover

Very similar to Andrena wilkella. Specimen examined


Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee

Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee

Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee

Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee
Andrena ovatula, Small Gorse Mining Bee
Kingston Lacy allotments and Broadstone, Dorset. July 2019, April 2020

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