These four mining bees are all in the subgenus Gonandrena and considered specialists on shrubby Dogwoods (the Swida group). All medium-sized bees with narrow facial fovae. More targeted observations are needed to improve our understanding of the range, abundance, and field identification of the species in this group.
Genus level ID: See the Mining Bee page for tips on separating other genera.
Click each box for more details on a given species.
Fragile Dogwood Mining Bee (Andrena fragilis)
Fairly common and widespread. Labral process uniquely large and square. Thicker hair bands on the abdomen than others in this group. Image courtesy Michael Veit
Short-haired Dogwood Mining Bee (Andrena integra)
Perhaps the most common and distinct in this group. Females are often entirely bald on the upper thorax. Image courtesy Doug Burnham.
Northern Dogwood Miner (Andrena persimulata)
Uncommon/rare species with a distinctive triangular bump between the leg attachments. Image courtesy Lisa Cass.
Plated Miner Bee (Andrena platyparia)
VT records are mostly limited to the Champlain Valley. Lacking distinct features.
