Burrowing bees, genus Andrena

These burrowing bees, in the genus Andrena, were apparently overwintering in a home in Valley Springs, California. The customer called, and gave us a baggie with 10 of the burrowing bees. The specimens were collected approximately March 3, 2016 and given to our technician, Jason Price.

The bees were showing up in the bottom track of an upstairs window, every time the sun hit the window. The window faces south-east.

Burrowing bees get their name from burrowing in the ground.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

 

Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. These bees were overwintering in a home in Valley Springs, Calaveras County, California.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. These bees were overwintering in a home in Valley Springs, Calaveras County, California.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Hairs on tip of abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Hairs on abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Mouthparts.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Mouthparts.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Wing.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Wing.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. head.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. head.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Metallic abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Metallic abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. These bees were overwintering in a home in Valley Springs, Calaveras County, California.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. These bees were overwintering in a home in Valley Springs, Calaveras County, California.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Closeup of the metallic abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Closeup of the metallic abdomen.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Closeup of thorax with the dense hairs.
Burrowing bee, genus Andrena. Closeup of thorax with the dense hairs.