What are the distinguishing visual characteristics of the female *Andrena cineraria*?
Answer
Striking greyish-white bands or stripes across her thorax and abdomen.
The female is recognized by its dense covering of pale hair creating distinct greyish-white stripes on its thorax and abdomen, giving it the 'ashy' appearance.
Related Questions
What is the primary reason the ashy mining bee is often mistakenly perceived as rare by casual observers?What are the distinguishing visual characteristics of the female *Andrena cineraria*?What is the scientific name for the ashy mining bee?How is the nesting behavior of the ashy mining bee classified?What range of length do adult ashy mining bees typically measure?Which early spring flowering plants are highlighted as crucial food sources for the ashy mining bee?What common feature often identifies the entrance of an ashy mining bee's nest in the soil?How do the males of *Andrena cineraria* generally differ visually from the females?In what region is the ashy mining bee generally considered common and widespread, despite its short season?What level of aggression is typically associated with the ashy mining bee?What is a practical recommendation for gardeners wishing to support the nesting of *A. cineraria*?How does the ashy mining bee provision its individual nest cells?