with about 30 post-1970 sites known, over half of which are in Kent
(Falk, 1991).
Hylaeus cornutus Curtis is probably the easiest "Yellow faced bee" to
identify since it is the only species which does not in fact have any
white or yellow markings on the face and the female has projecting
clypeal processes. Although variable these are usually prominent and
easily visible to the naked eye. Having taken the species on wild carrot
flowers in the Warren Farm area at Nonsuch Park (TQ2362) in Surrey, I
decided to look at similar calcareous open flower-rich areas in the Grays
area. Two females were taken on the 31st August and the 1st
September 1993 foraging on wild carrot flowers at Mill Wood Pit near
Lakeside in Thurrock.
Family Andrenidae
Many interesting species of Andrena bee have been recorded in the
county during 1993. Two species have been recorded in the county for
the first time, A. florea Fabricius and A. fulvago (Christ.) (both conf, by
J. Felton). The nationally rare (RDB3) Andrena florea is a bee with an
obligate association with White Bryony Bryonia dioica from which the
females gather pollen to provision their cells. I found a strong colony at
the Chadwell site and then also found it to occur in other places in the
same area for example at Mucking Heath (Orsett Golf Course) and
Linford. The bee has apparently never been particularly common and
post-1970 records are known for only nine scattered sites in south-east
England (Falk, 1991). This area of south Essex now seems to be quite
a stronghold for the species.
The nationally Notable A bee Andrena fulvago was formerly widespread
in the south of England but has undergone a substantial decline this
century, with only about fifteen post-1970 sites known (Falk, 1991).
Females gather pollen from yellow composites. I have found this
species at Mucking Heath and at the Chadwell site where it was also
taken by John Felton and seems to be present in some numbers.
At the end of May John Felton took two females of the nationally
Notable Andrena humilis Imhoff at the Chadwell site. This species
apparently gathers pollen exclusively from yellow composites and
although widespread seems to have declined significantly during this
century and relatively few modern localities are known (about 65 post-
1970 sites) (Falk, 1991).
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