Photo: Mining Bee, Judy Gallagher
During the pandemic we’ve had to cancel our regular wildlife surveys but some long-time participants are going out individually on an ad hoc basis to continue collecting data. Judy Gallagher is one of those folks who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species. Here are two observations from her most recent survey.
The Winter Ant, Prenolepis imparis, is somewhat active in the winter, hence the common name of Winter Ant. Their other common name, False Honey Ant, refers to their liking for sweet substances such as nectar and the juices of dead earthworms. The queen emerges on one of the first warm spring days for her nuptial flight, as do reproductive males. Only the queen and reproductive males have wings; other Winter Ants don't have wings. As you can see, the queen is much larger than her consort. This picture was taken on March 9.
Winter Ant, Prenolepis imparis, Judy Gallagher
If you look closely at a bare patch of sandy, well-drained soil at this time of year, you might see a buzz of activity, dozens of small bees flying close to the ground and constructing nest holes. These are likely to be Mining Bees, genus Andrena. Females dig a burrow with various small chambers, each provisioned with a ball of pollen mixed with nectar, and one egg is laid on each pollen ball. The young develop, pupate, and become adults, overwintering underground in their nesting site. Then they emerge, starting the annual cycle once again. This Mining Bee, emerging from her nest hole, was seen at Meadowood on March 4.
Mining Bees, genus Andrena, Judy Gallagher