This distinctive fall species is widespread across Vermont, found almost exclusively on Goldenrod and Asters.
Identification: Both males and females can be recognized by their dark wings held at out from the body and pale, narrow facial fovae. Additionally features include small size and very distinct white hair bands on the abdomen (T2 – T5).
Similar Species: Canadian Mining Bee (Andrena canadensis) is another small, goldenrod specialist with distinct hair bands, but it lacks the dark wings of the Cloudy-winged Mining Bee.
There is one, or maybe two, additional species in the subgenus Cnemidandrena that are superficially similar to Cloudy-winged. Andrena peckhami is confirmed for VT from a single 1956 specimen while Andrena robervalensis likely occurs in MA and may have been collected in VT recently. Neither species is well known, and it is unclear if the two species can be separated from photographs. Both have dark facial fovae and dark hairs on the top of the thorax, unlike Andrena nubecula.
Global Status: Not Ranked
Vermont Status: Not Ranked
For more information, visit the following links:
Discover Life
Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution:
To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
