May is the peak of Mining Bee diversity in Vermont, with dozens of widespread generalists that are challenging if not impossible to identify from photographs. Eventually they will all be covered here.
Genus level ID: See the Mining Bee page for tips on separating other genera.
Subgenus Melandrena
This abundant subgenus of spring bees is distinctive as a group. None are known to be specialists and members of this genus can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the spring.
Long-lipped Mining Bee (Andrena barbilabris)
Hippotes's Miner Bee (Andrena hippotes)
Miserable Mining Bee (Andrena miserabilis)
Cresson's Mining Bee (Andrena cressonii)
Allegheny Mining Bee (Andrena alleghaniensis)
The very short, spiky hair on the thorax of this species is distinctive.
Golden-Alexanders Mining Bee (Andrena ziziae)
Recently split into two species, one Andrena ziziae is often found on Golden-Alexander across the state, while the newly re-described Andrena vernalis is only known from one historical record in Franklin County.
Rose Miner Bee (Andrena melanochroa)
This tiny mining bee is usually associated with members of the Rose family - primarily Strawberries and Cinquefoils. Image Courtesy Michael Veit
Nason's Mining Bee (Andrena nasonii)
Spring Mining Bees that are probably not identifiable from photos
Short-tongued Miner Bee (Andrena brevipalpis)
Forbes’ Mining Bee (Andrena forbesii)
Ceanothus Miner Bee (Andrena ceanothi)
Hippotes’s Miner Bee (Andrena hippotes)
Imitator Miner Bee (Andrena imitatrix)
Specialization data primarily from https://jarrodfowler.com/bees_pollen.html
The table below is a complete list (as of February 2021) of all Mining Bee species confirmed for Vermont. Links (where present) will take you to individual species pages with natural history notes, identification tips, and a map.
