Anthophora edwardsii

Cresson, 1879

Edwards' anthophora

Anthophora edwardsii, commonly known as Edwards' anthophora, is a solitary to western North America. measure 12–18 mm in length and exhibit in facial coloration. The is an important , with documented associations to manzanita flowers. Like other members of the Anthophora, it nests in the ground and is active during spring.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthophora edwardsii: //ænˈθɒfərə ɛdˈwɔrdzi.aɪ//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Anthophora by the combination of gray thoracic hairs and black . Males are readily identified by the or facial . The species may be confused with other western North Anthophora, but specific identification requires examination of morphological details. Distinguished from the similar-looking Anthophora bomboides (a mimic with yellow and black banding) by its lack of bright color patterns and more uniform gray-black appearance.

Habitat

Terrestrial in western North America; specific nesting substrate preferences not documented in available sources but inferred to include sandy or friable soils typical for ground-nesting in the . Associated with flowering habitats supporting manzanita and other nectar sources.

Distribution

Western North America; precise range boundaries not specified in available sources but includes regions where manzanita occurs. GBIF records indicate presence in North America.

Seasonality

Active in spring; specific period dates not documented in available sources.

Diet

feed on nectar; pollen collected as larval provision. Documented to visit manzanita flowers (Arctostaphylos spp.).

Host Associations

  • Arctostaphylos - floral visitationmanzanita flowers

Life Cycle

Solitary with ground-nesting biology typical of the . Females construct individual nests in soil, provision with pollen and nectar, and lay . develop within sealed . Specific details on number of per year, stage, and developmental timing not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Solitary nesting with females working independently. Males for females. Specific behavioral details such as nest construction methods, territoriality, or mating systems not documented in available sources for this .

Ecological Role

of plants including manzanita. Contributes to reproductive success through pollen transfer. As a ground-nesting , may contribute to soil aeration and through nest excavation activities.

Human Relevance

with potential value for services in natural and agricultural landscapes. No documented negative interactions with humans; like most solitary , females are not defensive and rarely .

Similar Taxa

  • Anthophora bomboidesSimilar size and ground-nesting habit; A. bomboides is a mimic with distinct and black banding, while A. edwardsii has uniform gray-black coloration without bright patterns
  • Bombus vosnesenskiiA. bomboides mimics this ; A. edwardsii lacks the -black patterning that would cause confusion with bumble bees

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The was described by Cresson in 1879. Some sources cite 1878 as the authority date, reflecting potential discrepancies in publication dating.

Tags

Sources and further reading