Fall Mining Bees

I was surprised to see Mining Bees (Andrena spp.) recently on goldenrod and aster flowers. Until now, I've associated Mining Bees with early spring, as they are one of the first types of native bees I observe emerging in the spring.

But it turns out there are many species of Mining Bees that specialize on late season natives.

"Several bees are oligoleges of Solidago spp. (Goldenrods). These species include: Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, Andrena solidaginis...)" (Illinois Wildflowers)

Mining Bees females carry the pollen on the "upper part of their hind legs, seemingly in their 'armpits'." (Attracting Native Pollinators)

They are also usually quite hairy, perhaps to regulate their body temperature in early spring and late fall when they're most active.

Mining bees nest in the ground in sandy soil. Their nests are parasitized by Cuckoo Bees (Nomada spp.).

If you have Aster or Goldenrod species in your landscape, be sure to be on the lookout for Mining Bees visiting the flowers.