Definition

Noun: A taxonomic classification for a group of solitary, burrowing bees characterized by having short tongues. This genus belongs to the family Andrenidae.

Usage Notes

"Genus Andrena" is a scientific term used in biology and entomology. It is always written with "genus" italicized (or underlined in handwriting) and "Andrena" capitalized and italicized, following taxonomic convention: Andrena. In less formal contexts, the word "genus" may be dropped, and the group may be referred to simply as "andrenid bees" or "mining bees."

Examples

• The genus Andrena is one of the largest bee genera, containing over 1,500 species.
• A researcher is studying the nesting behavior of a species within the genus Andrena.
• Many early spring wildflowers are pollinated by bees from the genus Andrena.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The genus Andrena is placed within the family Andrenidae, order Hymenoptera.
• In ecological studies: "The diversity of the genus Andrena in this meadow indicates a healthy, undisturbed soil ecosystem."

Variants and Related Words

• Andrena (n): The standard abbreviated form used to refer to the genus.
• Andrenid (adj/n): (Adjective) Relating to the family Andrenidae or genus . (Noun) A bee belonging to this family.
• Mining bee (n): A common name for bees in the genus , referring to their habit of excavating nests in the ground.

Synonyms

• Mining bees (common name)
• Solitary short-tongued bees (descriptive term)

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Taxon: A group of organisms classified as a unit (e.g., genus, species).
• Type species: The species that defines a genus. For genus Andrena, it is .
• Pollinator: An organism that carries pollen, a key ecological role of bees in this genus.

Noun

1. a solitary burrowing short-tongued bee