About Ashy Mining Bee
A striking black and grey solitary bee with silvery-white hair bands on its thorax. It nests in compacted soil and is one of the first bees to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
Large aggregations of hundreds of nest holes can appear suddenly on garden lawns in April.
How to Identify Ashy Mining Bee
Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Ashy Mining Bee Habitat
Ashy Mining Bee is found in underground habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Ashy Mining Bee Diet and Feeding
Ashy Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Ashy Mining Bee Found?
Ashy Mining Bee can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Ashy Mining Bee can be found
Is Ashy Mining Bee Dangerous?
Ashy Mining Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Ashy Mining Bee Role in Nature
Ashy Mining Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashy Mining Bee
What does Ashy Mining Bee look like?
The Ashy Mining Bee typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Ashy Mining Bee found?
The Ashy Mining Bee is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Ashy Mining Bee eat?
The Ashy Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Ashy Mining Bee dangerous to humans?
The Ashy Mining Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Ashy Mining Bee?
Large aggregations of hundreds of nest holes can appear suddenly on garden lawns in April.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ashy-mining-bee
MLA:
"Ashy Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ashy-mining-bee.