Andrena chrysosceles

This is a small Mining Bee. The abdomen may show gingery hairs or be almost bare, but has obvious paler stripes. There is a ginger tuft at the tip of the abdomen.

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’).

Often seen on spring or early summer flowers.

Mainly May to July with occasional specimens around October.

Spring emerging specimens have over-wintered as adults, but those that emerge later in the year have probably over-wintered as diapausing prepupae.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.