Turret-nest
Guides
Anthophora
Common Digger Bees, Digger Bees
Anthophora is a large genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, comprising over 450 species across 14 subgenera. These bees are most diverse in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions. All species are solitary, though many nest in large aggregations. Nearly all species excavate nests in soil, either in banks or flat ground, with larvae developing in waterproof-lined cells without cocoons. Some species, notably Anthophora bomboides, are bumble bee mimics and construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.
Diadasia
cactus bees, bindweed turret bees
Diadasia is a genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, containing approximately 42 species. These bees are oligolectic pollen specialists that primarily forage on plants in the family Malvaceae, though some species have evolved associations with other plant groups including cacti, bindweeds, and willowherbs. They are ground-nesting bees, with many species constructing distinctive turrets or chimney-like structures at their nest entrances. Male Diadasia form large mating aggregations where they compete intensely for access to emerging females.
Ptilothrix bombiformis
Hibiscus bee, Eastern digger bee, Hibiscus turret bee
Ptilothrix bombiformis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the hibiscus bee or eastern digger bee. It is one of only two species of the genus Ptilothrix found in the United States, with a distribution centered in the eastern half of North America. The species is notable for its specialized association with mallow family plants (Malvaceae), particularly Hibiscus species, and for its distinctive nesting behavior involving water transport to excavate hard soil. Females construct turreted nest entrances and are active primarily during summer months when host plants are in bloom.