Andrena bucephala

Andrena bucephala is a scarce, medium-sized mining bee, found mostly in southern England. The flight period is April to May. The females share a common nest entrance but it is assumed that they prepare separate nests within the burrow. The males have a a particularly large head. Nests are parasitised by the rare cuckoo bee Nomada hirtipes. The author is fortunate to have a colony supporting both species near his home in Warwickshire.