3.1.4.4. Andrena (Micrandrena) proxima (Kirby, 1802)

Figures 14 C, H, M, 19 A, M

Melitta proxima Kirby, 1802 (nec Andrena proxima Smith 1847): 146–147, ♀ [England: NHMUK].

Melitta digitalis Kirby, 1802: 159–160, ♀ [England: NHMUK].

Andrena aspericollis Pérez, 1895: 37, ♀ ♂ [Algeria: MNHN].

Distribution and habitat.

Broadly across the Western Palaearctic, but excluding the most Atlantic parts, mostly in mesic habitats (McLaughlin et al. 2022). In the Levant *, limited to mountains in Lebanon *.

Flight period.

In Europe: one generation, mid-April to late June.

Flower preferences.

Broadly oligolectic on Apiaceae . Also visits Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Campanulaceae and Euphorbiaceae (Westrich 1989; IUCN 2024).

Material examined.

LEBANON ● 2 ♀; Mount Lebanon Governorate, Kesrouane, Jabal Moussa Biosphere Res.; 1400 m a. s. l.; 14 May 2023; V. Soon leg.; TUZ 341642 ● 1 ♂; Mount Lebanon Governorate, Kesrouane, Jabal Moussa Biosphere Res., Mchati; 1100 m a. s. l.; 15 May 2023; V. Soon leg.; TUZ 343915.