description Anthophora quadrimaculata Overview
Anthophora quadrimaculata is a solitary species of mason bee belonging to the family Apidae, formally described by Georg Wolfgang Franz Panzer in 1804. Native to Europe, this insect is commonly known as the four-spotted flower bee due to the distinctive yellow markings visible on the male's abdomen. Females build their nests in soil or clay banks, frequently utilizing areas with exposed vertical substrates. They are generalist foragers that pollinate various wildflowers, favoring plants in the Lamiaceae family.
help Anthophora quadrimaculata FAQ
Does Anthophora quadrimaculata live in a hive like a honey bee?
No. It is a solitary bee in the family Apidae, so females make and provision their own nests rather than living in a honey-bee colony.
Where might I see Anthophora quadrimaculata feeding?
It is often recorded in gardens visiting labiate plants such as catmint, Nepeta cataria, and lavender, Lavandula. The species is widely distributed in Europe, from southern Finland to Spain and east to Hungary.
Where does the four-spotted flower bee nest?
Small nest aggregations have been found in sandy banks and cliffs, as well as clay and stone walls and mortar joints. Old walls and suitable garden banks can therefore provide useful nesting habitat.
When is Anthophora quadrimaculata active?
In British records, it is univoltine, meaning it has one generation per year, with a flight period from early June to mid-August. Its scientific name is listed under Anthophora in the family Apidae.
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