Andrena sp. on dandelion for ID

[tigger]

Wondered if anyone could tell me if I'm right in thinking this is an Andrena sp. female? It looks very different to most of the bees I've seen before - quite long, with dullish yellow hairs on the hind legs - about 10-11mm (maybe more) feeding on dandelion for well over 1/2 an hour in my garden (I have a lot of dandelion!).

Any suggestions?

Thanks. Jane

[Geoff F]

Would you say it was pollen or long dense silky hair on the hind legs?

If the latter, have a look at Andrena flavipes. But just a suggestion, and definitely not an identification.

[Matt Smith]

Too small for A.flavipes going by the size of the flower.

[tigger]

Hi Matt. Funny you should say that. I'd looked at A. flavipes but felt it was unlikely that I'd have such a rare bee in the garden. Might need to get this checked out further. Cheers for your comment. Jane

[tigger]

It was definitely a medium sized bee. I initally said 10-11mm - but I think it was more likely 14-15mm. It wasn't small. The dandelions are all different sizes - so difficult to tell from that.

[Matt Smith]

Originally Posted by tigger

Hi Matt. Funny you should say that. I'd looked at A. flavipes but felt it was unlikely that I'd have such a rare bee in the garden

Andrena flavipes is a very common species in SE England - havea look at the NBN gateway map. NBN Gateway - interactive species mapper.

[tigger]

Sorry, I was getting my Andrena's fixed up. I was wondering if it could be A. humilis?

[tigger]

Any other thoughts on this one?

[Jason Green]

Evening Jane,

I can't help either - a lot of the time you'd need a specimen and some key or another.

Take care,

Jason

[tigger]

OK, thanks Jason - fair dos...

Cheers. Jane