Bee identification please

[Lindsay-c]

Unfortunately I can't upload the pictures at the moment but hopefully an explaination might do for now because it's fairly simple.

on the riverside digging into the sand/soil I spotted a bee which I've not seen before.

It was similar to a leaf cutter bee only it was jet black all over apart from bright orange fur or hair on its thorax and its hind leg

any ideas already ?

[JRsbugs]

Unfortunately there's more than one bee which could fit that description and there's a few different Andrena species about now, so to guess would be futile. When you upload the pics you might get an answer.

Janet

[Lindsay-c]

Finally managed to upload pictures onto computer

[JRsbugs]

Andrena clarkella, the pics are not very clear but that's the most likely as it has black hairs on the abdomen and face, the rest fits too. I have had two nesting in a sand path, they feed on Sallow.

[Lindsay-c]

thank you I am happy to settle on Andrena Clarkella

picture isn't very clear because he/she (I was thinking female but if anyone can clarify then I would be thankful) was moving a lot as it was mining into the ground.

Almost didn't take the picture but glad I did - attractive insect and a nice indicator that spring has arrived.

[JRsbugs]

It's a she. The males don't have pollen sacs, they just buzz around near the nest.

[Lindsay-c]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

It's a she. The males don't have pollen sacs, they just buzz around near the nest.

thanks again !