Scientific name: Andrena cineraria
Size: Up to 15mm
Distribution: Found in most parts of the UK. Less frequently in northern Scotland
Months seen: April to June
Habitat: Meadows, parks, gardens and orchards
Food: Nectar and pollen
Special features: Ashy Mining Bees are mostly black in colour with two bands of white hair at the front and back of the thorax, and a tuft of white hair at the front of the head. They are noticable in the spring hovering just above the ground.
The underground nests of Ashy Mining Bees are frequently parasited by Nomad Bees.