Yellow-legged Mining Bee

Andrena flavipes

This species is bivoltine, meaning it produces two distinct generations every year—one emerging in early spring and another in mid-summer.

Scientific name: Andrena flavipes
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Andrenidae › Andrena
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Open sunny areas with bare or sparsely vegetated soil, including gardens, parks, sandy grasslands, and coastal dunes.
Diet: Generalist pollinator (polylectic) feeding on nectar and pollen from various flowers like dandelions, buttercups, and fruit trees.
Range: Europe, North Africa, Near East, Central Asia
Size: 10-14 mm in length
Lifespan: 4-8 weeks as an active adult
Active: diurnal
Threats: Habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, heavy pesticide use, and soil compaction in urban areas.
Safe to approach?: Harmless and non-aggressive. These solitary bees rarely sting unless handled roughly or stepped on. Observe their nesting holes from a distance of one meter. If stung, wash the area with soap and water; the sting is mild, but seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.

Photo: Иван Пристрем, CC-BY, via iNaturalist