8/20/21 Fen Grass of Parnassus

If I had to choose one species to exemplify the goals of the VT Wild Bee Survey, it would be the Parnassia Miner (Andrena parnassiae). This previously poorly known species is a denizen of rich fens in the Northeastern US, with VT now accounting for a large percentage of the global records of this species. The only way to find this species is to find its host plant, which occurs primarily east of the Greens and in the Valley of VT.

If you are lucky enough to have the plant near you, the bee is likely present and relatively easy to ID from photos. Read more about it and see pictures here: https://val.vtecostudies.org/projects/vtbees/Andrena-parnassiae/

Posted on 20 August, 2021 17:23 by beeboy