Mining Bees

There have been several solitary bees around the garden recently, particularly around the new bank. One which caught my area had a red abdomen and white hairs on the face. After a few attempts I managed to catch one and have a closer look.

This fabulous insect is the Red-girdled Mining Bee Andrena labiata. This is not a particularly common species, it is described on the BWARS website as being a local species mainly confined to sandy soils inland and occuring up to North Wales and Yorkshire. It is particularly associated with speedwells (Veronica sp.), which are abundant in parts of the garden.

After release, the bee posed on a bit of grass and allowed this picture.

Red-girdled Mining Bee Andrena labiata