Bionomics of Andrena (Melandrena) vicina Smith in Maine and Washington, with new parasite records for A. (M.) regularis Malloch and a review of Melandrena biology

Nesting and associated behavior of the solitary bee, Andrena (Melandrena) vicina Smith were studied in Maine and Washington State. A perennial nesting aggregation was found in a suburban lawn in Edmonds, WA while Maine bees nested within fields managed for commercial blueberry production-so-called "blueberry barrens". Nests consisted of a near-vertical main burrow with as many as 13 cells dispersed around its lower end at depths of 15 to 36 cm. Provision masses consisted of flattened spheres of pollen moistened with nectar and varied considerably in size. Egg placement and larval feeding and development are described and illustrated. Male A. vicina patrolled the nesting site and certain other nearby areas. A single mating was observed at the nesting site. Information on diurnal behavior of females is presented. Mean, fresh weight of adult females was nearly twice that of males. Sex ratio data are presented for 1992 and 1993. A. vicina overwinters as an adult in the natal cell. Parasitic bees, Nomada spp., were associated with both A. vicina populations. New parasite records are presented for A. (M.) regularis Malloch and information on nesting and associated behavior for North American Melandrena is reviewed.