Andrena praecox

Habitat: Open habitats, close to willow

Size: 9mm

Species Account: Like several other Andrena species, Andrena praecox has become a specialist on one sort of pollen, in this case willow/sallow. At first glance the hairy females may recall Andrena fulva, but these are a smaller less heavily built bee, and the colours are muted in comparison. The rare Andrena apicata is very similar in appearance, but lacks dark hairs on the face, as well as having dark hairs on the sides of tergite 4. Males are typical in appearnce, but have a distinct tooth at the base of the mandible.