​In the collective imagination, there is only one type of bee: the foraging bee. However, this is a myth, since in reality the bee that produces honey is Apis mellifera (the European honeybee).

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In addition, there is a wide variety of equally interesting bee species, such as digger bees, black bees, Italian bees, carpenter bees, and many others. It would be a shame to miss out on them.

 

Today we will discuss the digger bee and its Canadian relatives in the Andrenidae family, such as Andrena wilkella, Calliopsis andrenoformis, Perdita albipennis, and Panurgus banksianus. However, before we get to the heart of the matter, it is helpful to understand how Andrenidae differ from other bees.

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Andrenidae (family of bees)

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Etymology and Geolocation

Bees don’t just make their homes in hives suspended in the air. They can also build their homes underground. In the English-speaking world, this type of bee is called the “Early Mining Bee.” There are nearly 800 species of Andrenidae in North America. This accounts for one-quarter of the species found in Canada. This type of bee is found primarily in Alberta. Furthermore, it is the family of bees that emerges from hibernation earliest.

 

Appearance

One of the characteristics that makes it so unique is that it has hair on its legs, abdomen, and head. The location and amount of hair vary from one species to another—which is rare among bees. The hind legs are covered with this distinctive hair, which researchers call “scopae.” According to Gemini, these very long hairs allow the bees to collect pollen, which sticks to the underside of their legs.

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It’s also worth noting that, unlike her counterparts, this little underground gallery enthusiast wears black—a color that leaves one indifferent—but may occasionally veer into bright red, which is already more vibrant.

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The genus Andrena often has a more oval or tapered abdomen, unlike the Megachilidae (leaf-cutter bees), which have a flatter abdomen on top to carry pollen. (Gemini)

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Socialization and Housing

This type of bee is generally known for not being very sociable, although it may occasionally be found in the company of other groups of bees. It prefers to be solitary.

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Although it lives underground, it will seek out different types of soil depending on the species that decides to dig its future home there.

Furthermore, the bee colony is the first to emerge. Generally speaking, it appears in the spring. However, it remains well hidden deep within its tunnels during the summer, fall, and winter. That said, the production period can vary from one species to another.

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Similar articles​

-Panurginus Banksianus

-The Perditas Albipenis Bee

-The Calliopsis bee

-The Andrena Wilkella bee

-A professional dancer

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Sources

• Statistics in Canada:

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Sheffield et al. (2011): Confirms the predominance of the Andrenidae family in the Prairie provinces, particularly in Alberta, where sandy soils are conducive to their nesting.

• Impulsive behavior:

  • The Bees of Canada (York University): Documents that certain species of Andrena bees are the first to emerge—sometimes as soon as the snow melts—to pollinate willows (Salix).

• Morphology (Scopae):

  • Michener, C. D. (The Bees of the World): The reference source that explains that Andrenae have a “basket” (flocculus) on the hind femur, in addition to the scopa on the tibia, which is unique to this family.

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