Genus Andrena on World Bee Day

May 20th is designated World Bee Day, and this beautiful native bee of the Genus Andrena was out feasting on willow. Some species within the genus are floral specialists and depend solely on willow pollen, emerging in early spring when the trees bloom.
Mining bees spend most of their time underground. She places balls of pollen in underground chambers and lays a single egg on top of each.
These bees don't produce honey, but they're docile and extremely beneficial pollinators. Native bees and native plants are interconnected—if we lose one, we stand to lose the other.

Nikon D7200 with 105mm

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