Andrena

/ænˈdriːnə/ noun

Definition

A genus of solitary bees commonly found in temperate regions, known for their mining behavior of nesting in soil.

Etymology

From Greek 'aner' (man) through uncertain intermediate stages; the etymology is debated. The genus was formally described in the 18th century and the name may reference traditional masculine associations with mining.

Kelly Says

Andrena bees are so tiny and so solitary that most people don't realize they exist—yet they're incredible pollinators of spring flowers, and unlike honeybees, they don't build hives but instead dig individual burrows in bare ground like nature's little mining operations.

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