JUNE - Mining bees (Andrena sp.) seen at three sites in Lancashire in June (2016). A very interesting group of insects which make nest holes in soft substrates, especially sandy soil. Sometimes they are predated by Nomada species, a cuckoo bee, which lay eggs in their nests, the resulting larvae devouring that of the Andrena. Seen variously at the three sites (Brockholes, Hurstwood, and Lowerhouse) were A. cineraria (Ashy Mining Bee), A barbilabris, A. haemorrhoa (with a red tip to the abdomen), and a probable, but rather worn, A. scotica. Nomada lathburiana bees were attempting to parasitise the nests of A. cineraria (whilst a single Nomada marshamella was seen in south Cumbria). Halictus rubicundus (another hole-nesting bee - known as a Sweat Bee) was present at two of the sites.

Andrena cineraria (all above)

Andrena barbilabris at Brockhioles (both above)

Andrena haemorrhoa on Water Dropwort at Lowerhouse (both above)

Anrena cf. scotica on Water Dropwort at Lowerhouse (both above)

Nomada lathburiana at Brockholes

Nomada marshamella at Latterbarrow N R, Cumbria

Halictus rubicundus at Brockholes

An unidentified Nomada sp at Chatburn

Osmia bicornis (a mason bee) at Chatburn

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