Digger Bees
Anthophora
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Apidae
- Subfamily: Apinae
- Tribe: Anthophorini
- Genus: Anthophora
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthophora: //ænˈθɒfərə//
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Summary
The genus Anthophora is one of the largest in the family Apidae, with over 450 species worldwide across 14 subgenera. They are primarily solitary bees that form nests in the ground and are known for their diverse characteristics, particularly in the Holarctic and African regions.
Physical Characteristics
Males commonly have pale white or yellow facial markings, and/or peculiarly modified leg armature and hairs. The male gonostylus is usually less than one-third as long as the gonocoxite, often not double, sometimes reduced to almost nothing.
Identification Tips
Anthophora can be distinguished from the similar genus Amegilla by the possession of an arolium between the tarsal claws.
Habitat
Most species nest in soil, either in banks or flat ground.
Distribution
Widespread, most abundant in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions; absent in Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Diet
Nectar and pollen from flowering plants, primarily foraging on angiosperms.
Life Cycle
All species are solitary. Larvae develop in cells with waterproof linings and do not spin cocoons.
Reproduction
Typically solitary nesting behavior, with many species nesting in large aggregations.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators in various ecosystems, contributing to plant reproduction.
Collecting Methods
- Netting from flowers
- Trapping
- Visual searches for nesting sites
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying
- Specimen containers
Similar Taxa
- Amegilla
Tags
- Digger Bees
- Anthophora
- Apidae
- Solitary Bees