description Anthophora plumipes Overview
Anthophora plumipes is a European bee belonging to the Anthophoridae family. This flower bee is notable for its distinctive long legs and rapid flight speed, adaptations suited for accessing deep floral resources. It’s primarily found across Europe and is of interest to entomologists studying bee behavior and pollination ecology as well as researchers investigating insect morphology.
insights Why this score
Anthophora plumipes ranks #47 of 404 in the Bee ranking, behind Blue-banded Bee (Amegilla cingulata), ahead of Bombus pensylvanicus.
help Anthophora plumipes FAQ
How can Anthophora plumipes be distinguished from a bumblebee?
This solitary flower bee has a compact, furry body and very fast, darting flight, so it is often mistaken for a small bumblebee. Males are especially recognizable by the long fringes of hair on their middle legs and pale facial markings.
Why is Anthophora plumipes called the hairy-footed flower bee?
The English name refers chiefly to the conspicuously feathered middle legs of the male. Its scientific name plumipes also points to feathered or plumed feet.
Where does Anthophora plumipes build its nest?
Females excavate individual nest tunnels in soft mortar, clay banks, earthen walls, and similar substrates. Although each female provisions her own nest, many nests can appear close together in a suitable wall or bank.
Which garden flowers attract Anthophora plumipes?
It is an early spring visitor to flowers such as lungwort, dead-nettle, wallflower, and comfrey. Its long tongue helps it reach nectar in deep tubular blossoms that are less accessible to many short-tongued bees.
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