HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > APOIDEA > Andrenidae

Andrena scotica is a common species that can be seen in various habitats from around mid-March to July, particularly where there are blossoming shrubs and trees. They visit flowers as well, but their peak season coincides with the blossoming of blackthorn and hawthorn. During hot summers a partial second generation may also be seen visiting ivy blossom in September and early October. The females resemble several other species and, consequently, are difficult to accurately identify from photos. Both females here were identified by experts on the BWARS FB group, but with a ‘likely’ qualifier due to the abundance of pollen. The male is more certain, but still not definite.

As of May 24, Andrena scotica was ranked at number 13 of the 54 Andrena species that have been recorded in Dorset.