Summary

A field survey to determine the presence of the Nationally Scarce and Near Threatened (draft status) bee Andrena tarsata (Nylander, 1848) and its associated nest parasite Nomada roberjeotiana (Panzer, 1799) within Cheshire vice-county VC58 was carried out between 11.6.2025 and 13.7.2025. Sites targeted were those with historical records of the species, and on potentially suitable sites. The survey focused on the Southwestern Area of Character of the Peak District and a few other sites in the west of Cheshire.

Andrena tarsata has been recorded on one site in VC58 between 2022 and 2024; at another on the border with Derbyshire VC57 in 2008, and there are two records from 1941 in west Cheshire. There are no records of Nomada roberjeotiana in VC58.
A desk study was carried out to identify potential sites based on the presence of Potentilla sp. records, on the soil type, and on the presence of previous records.

Andrena tarsata was found, in low numbers, in four locations, three of which are in close proximity to each other (1-3km). It was previously unrecorded on three of these. Nomada roberjeotiana was not found.

Due to its dependence on Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) for foraging, A. tarsata is very vulnerable to conditions which lead to the disappearance of this flowering plant.

Recommendations include areas for future survey work, habitat management, and being listed on management plans with its requirements.

Published November 2025