Solitary Bee - Andrena sp(?) on ragwort

[tigger]

Hi. Just wondered if anyone was able to identify the following bee found feeding on some ragwort in my garden on Saturday. I saw Andrena denticulata in the garden at this time last year on ragwort - wondered if this could be the same?

The bee I saw on Saturday had distinctive white hair bands on the abdomen, and pale hair on thorax and face. I think it was a male. Medium sized.

Many thanks. Jane

[tigger]

Just wondered if anyone had any ideas on this bee? Cheers. Jane

[hachidori]

my first instinct is that this isn't an andrena - andrena species have 3 submarginal cells on the wing, and although its not very clear on the image, it doesn't look like there are 3. not sure though, I'm sure one of the proper bee people will be on here and sort him out for you.

[tigger]

Many thanks hachidori. I really appreciate your comment.

Doesn't look like there are any other bee experts around at the moment

[tigger]

Can anyone help me with an ID?

Cheers. Jane

[JRsbugs]

It looks like a very worn Osmia male to me. I compared it to a male Osmia rufa, it compares well but I don't know how long you could expect to be seeing those. Maybe you have a later Osmia species?

Janet

[Jason Green]

Evening Jane,

Do you have any others showing the wing at all? Janet may be onto something, I'm just too certain about the first submarginal cell.

Take care,

Jason

[tigger]

Thanks Janet & Jason. How about Andrena denticulata? that's a suggestion from a member of BWARS. I did have A. denticulata last year at this time (on ragwort).

No other photos I'm afraid

Jane