Anthophora

Latreille, 1803

Common Digger Bees, Digger Bees

Species Guides

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Anthophora is a large of solitary bees in the Apidae, comprising over 450 across 14 subgenera. These bees are most diverse in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions. All species are solitary, though many nest in large . Nearly all species excavate nests in soil, either in banks or flat ground, with larvae developing in waterproof-lined without cocoons. Some species, notably Anthophora bomboides, are mimics and construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.

Anthophora villosula by (c) Carrie Seltzer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Carrie Seltzer. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthophora pacifica by (c) eebee, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by eebee. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthophora bomboides by (c) USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthophora: //ænˈθɒfərə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Anthophora can be distinguished from the similar Amegilla by the presence of an (a pad-like structure) between the tarsal claws. Males commonly exhibit pale white or yellow facial markings and often possess modified leg armature and hairs. The genus as a whole lacks the corbiculae () found on the hind legs of honey bees and bumble bees, instead carrying pollen on scopal hairs.

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Habitat

Nearly all nest in soil, excavating burrows in banks or flat ground. Some species, such as Anthophora bomboides stanfordiana, specialize in nesting in sandy cliffs and coastal dunes, constructing turret-like structures at nest entrances.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with greatest abundance and diversity in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions. Documented from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Specific have more restricted ranges; for example, Anthophora bomboides stanfordiana occurs along the Pacific Coast of Northern California and Oregon.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in individual within underground nests. Cells are lined with waterproof secretions. Larvae do not spin cocoons. Development includes during ; research on Anthophora bomboides indicates that microbial (bacteria and fungi) proliferate during this stage and may enhance overwintering survival.

Behavior

Solitary nesting , though many form large nesting . Females of some species, including Anthophora bomboides stanfordiana, collect water to soften soil for excavation and may make up to 80 daily trips between water sources and nest sites. Some species are mimics, resembling Bombus species in appearance but lacking defensive stinging behavior.

Ecological Role

of flowering plants. Some exhibit oligolecty (specialized pollen foraging); for example, Anthophora onosmarum appears to be narrowly oligolectic on Onosma (Boraginaceae) and employs buzz pollination to release pollen. Symbiotic relationships with microbes (Streptomyces bacteria and fungi) have been documented, with potential roles in defense and cold stress protection during .

Human Relevance

Research subjects for studies on solitary , microbial , and pollination . The distinctive turret nests of some , particularly Anthophora bomboides, have been featured in educational media including PBS Deep Look videos. Some species are studied for their potential in understanding -microbe interactions and natural product chemistry.

Similar Taxa

  • AmegillaMorphologically very similar to Anthophora; distinguished by the absence of an between the tarsal claws in Amegilla versus its presence in Anthophora.
  • BombusSome Anthophora (e.g., A. bomboides) are visual mimics of bumble bees, sharing similar coloration and hair patterns, but are solitary and lack corbiculae and social colony structure.

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Sources and further reading