Bees on pond plant for ID

[Johnny81]

Taken this morning in my pond, Northampton. About three of them all warming on iris leaves, one rescued from drowning! Are they Andrena haemorrhoa (closest I could get in my Insect guide)? My insect ID of even the common species is fairly shaky at the best of times...

[Matt Smith]

I would say Andrena clarkella.

[JRsbugs]

Andrena nitida would be a better fit?

Dark hind pollen baskets with some lighter hairs, face fits too..

Andrena nitida

[Johnny81]

Thank you for your comments. My book doesn't cover that many Andrena species, but at least I was in the right genus.

They must have all ended up in my pond at some point judging by how wet they all are, and used the iris to pull them out?? Common behaviour?? I noticed later in the day that (possibly) the same species fly near the pond, an elder shrub and one of the honeysuckle varieties nearly overhang the pond, they were all landing on the leaves.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by Johnny81

Thank you for your comments. My book doesn't cover that many Andrena species, but at least I was in the right genus.

They must have all ended up in my pond at some point judging by how wet they all are, and used the iris to pull them out?? Common behaviour?? I noticed later in the day that (possibly) the same species fly near the pond, an elder shrub and one of the honeysuckle varieties nearly overhang the pond, they were all landing on the leaves.

BWARS has a good gallery of Bees & Wasps which may help in an ID.

[tristanba]

certainly A. nitida - note shiny abdomen as well

[Johnny81]

I guess they are taking a drink and plop!

Thanks for all replys.