Unidentified Hymenoptera Staffs UK?? (1 Viewer)

D

davetheman

Well-known member

• Jul 20, 2019

• #1

Can anyone help to point me in the right direction for this member of the Hymenoptera seen in my garden last week ?

Not much to go on, but could it be one of the Miner Bees?

Thanks

 

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A

aeshna5

Well-known member

• Jul 21, 2019

• #2

Hylaeus sp, I would suggest.

 

W

WalterRayle

Well-known member

• Jul 21, 2019

• #3

Either one of the Andrena or Lasioglossum, I err towards the latter, and has the overall feel of being a male. Hylaeus doesn't have the prominent pale hairs on the face like this specimen, Hylaeus are generally almost hairless.

 

D

davetheman

Well-known member

• Jul 22, 2019

• #4

Thanks both for your help.

I managed to find a small burst of photographs I took of what I presume to be the same individual, only at rest.

Either the change of angle or the change of light has revealed more detail which I think clarifies the i.d.

I believe it's a Ashy Miner Bee (Andrena cineraria).

Let me know your thoughts!

Cheers

 

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W

WalterRayle

Well-known member

• Jul 22, 2019

• #5

Well it's definitely an Andrena as can be told by the wing venation, it's also a male by the antenna length.
It's not A. cineraria the markings are not bold enough black and white for that species and it also doesn't have the bulk. However, judging by how worn the hairs on the thorax are and the wing edges it's unlikely it could be accurately identified to species level. With most Andrena (and other solitary bees) a pinned specimen is usually the best means of getting an accurate ID. There are only a few that can be reliably ID'd in the field/from photos.

 

D

davetheman

Well-known member

• Jul 22, 2019

• #6

Thanks Wally (I trust you'll forgive the familiarity)

Looks like I'm stuck with Andrena sp. then!

Thanks for your insightful contribution