Though not a Cherry (genus Prunus) specialist, this species does seem to have an affinity for flowering shrubs. Vermont records are so far limited to the southern Champlain Valley.
Identification: Similar to other Mining Bees in the subgenus Melandrena but both males and females can occasionally be identified from photos. Females have a rufous tinge to the hair on their thorax and narrow facial fovae (visible in a clear head on photo). Males are unique in having a distinct tuft of hair on S6 (the underside of the second to last segment of the abdomen).
Similar Species: Others in the subgenus Melandrena.
Global Status: Not Ranked
Vermont Status: Not Ranked
For more information, visit the following links:
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Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution:
To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
