HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > APOIDEA > Andrenidae

Another species where the distinctive black and grey females are likened in size to a honeybee. Males are smaller and not quite so striking, with conspicuous white hairs on the face, sides of thorax and basal tergites of the abdomen. Andrena cinceraria is regarded as a widespread, locally common species across much of the country. It is a highly adaptable species with records from a variety of habitats including heathland, downland, open woodland, coastal grassland, cliffs, quarries and even occasionally in gardens. Flight period is from late March to June with any later sightings possibly indicating a partial second brood.

Checking the NBN Atlas at the beginning of May 24, Andrena cineraria was the second most frequently recorded Andrena species in Dorset, just a handful of sightings behind Andrena flavipes.