About Andrena vaga Panzer, 1799
Andrena vaga Panzer, 1799, is a large mining bee with a body length of 13 to 15 millimeters. Its entire thorax is covered in grey hairs, which sometimes carry a faint buff tinge. White hairs grow on the scopae, hind femorae, and in patches along the sides of the abdomen. Upon close inspection, the cuticle surface appears shiny metallic black, and the face is covered in brownish hairs. This species resembles the ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria). Male Andrena vaga have grey hair covering the entire upper surface of the thorax, pale hair on the hind tibia, and a downward curve at the tip of sternite 8 when visible. The top and sides of a male’s face are white, the lower face bears long white hairs, and males also have long mandibles and rounded cheeks. Andrena vaga ranges across Europe as far north as 66°N, occurring only in southern Scandinavia, and extends east to Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In Great Britain, only four records of the species existed prior to 2009, almost all from south-east England, with the latest previous record dated 1946. In the 21st century, the species was recorded again in south-eastern England, specifically in Kent and Hampshire, where breeding populations were found. Records show the species has moved from coastal locations to inland sites, indicating it is spreading. Its habitat includes pastures, meadows (often located near water), heathland, woody glades, and coastal areas with loose soil. Andrena vaga is always found near various species of willow (Salix).
