Andrenidae > Andrena > Andrena hirticincta
Hairy-banded mining bee (Andrena hirticincta) is a distinctive late-summer and fall-active mining bee found on goldenrods and asters. Both males and females are covered in long golden hairs on the face, thorax, and abdomen. Look for this species in a variety of habitats including meadows, old fields, roadsides, and gardens.
Phenology
Late-summer and fall, from July through September. Presumably a single generation per year, but nesting biology is unknown.
Range
Throughout northeast, seemingly more common in New England states than mid-Atlantic.
Appearance
Size ≈ honey bee
Females: thick golden hairs (the color of goldenrod) on face and thorax; wings are often held out while foraging, especially at first upon landing.
Males: resemble female, but more slender; unlike many species of fall-active Andrena, males can often be found foraging on flowers late into the day
Similar species
No other fall-active Andrena in northeast are covered in golden hairs on face, thorax, and abdomen.
Nesting
Common in a variety of habitats including meadows, old fields, agricultural pastures, wetlands roadsides, backyards, and city gardens. Nests are not known but presumably are underground like other Andrena.
Foraging
Found on a variety of fall-blooming wood asters (Symphyotrichum, Eurybia) and goldenrods (Solidago spp.). Seems to avoid foraging on yellow composite sunflowers. Often seem to forage later in the day than other fall-active mining bees.
Natural Enemies
Nomada vicina is a likely cleptoparasite.
Page last updated:
February 22, 2023