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Entomology Commons

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Valparaiso University

2024

Ericaceae

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Full-Text Articles in Entomology

Willow Pollen Collection By A Blueberry Specialist Bee (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), James B. Watson, Keziah G. Bartel, Jason Gibbs Mar 2024

Willow Pollen Collection By A Blueberry Specialist Bee (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), James B. Watson, Keziah G. Bartel, Jason Gibbs

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Andrena (Conandrena) bradleyi Viereck (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) is widely regarded as a Ericaceae specialist bee due to its elongate head, plant records, and common collection in commercial blueberry fields. We provide evidence of A. bradleyi collecting pollen from willow (Salix, Salicaceae) L. in southeastern Manitoba. This indicates the bee is not obligately specialized on Ericaceae pollens and that early blooming plants may contribute to its early nutritional requirements.