Anthophora plumipes
Now this is quite a curious bee I discovered visiting my garden. Sometimes called the ‘Hairy- footed Flower Bee’, the female of this fast-flying solitary bee is jet black, whilst the male is largely gingery-brown with a bright yellow face. Long-tongued bee. Size 14 to 17mm.
The nests are built in the ground and in the loose mortar of old walls. Feeds on nectar and pollen, and is a good pollinator.
They are seen March to June, although rarely seen in June. Found in flower-rich pastures, including gardens, where Common Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a favourite flower. Distributed throughout much of England and Wales, especially south. Absent from Scotland and Ireland.
Male, top three images taken April 2007, and female bottom three images taken March 2012, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2007 and 2012.
Wonderful shots. The bee looks like he’s posing for you in several of them!
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Thank you, Belinda 🙂 I think maybe he was 🙂
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An all-black bee – what a curiosity. I don’t think I can tell one bee from another.
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It come with practice 🙂
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Ah … should have read this post first …. the one with all the info on!
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🙂
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In Sweden there was a discovery 1938 and the next was in 2005. It’s building up now in southern Sweden
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Thank you for your comment, Gunnar. I am pleased numbers are building in southern Sweden.
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Enjoyed seeing the difference between the male and female of this Flower Bee. Also enjoyed seeing the green leaves of summer and the colorful flowers.
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Thank you, Peggy 🙂 Bees are always a joy to see for me.
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