• Family: Apidae
• Tribe: Emphorini
• Approximate # species in region: 5
• Common name: digger bees

Anthophora are zippy, fast-flying bees. Five species occur in our region, four of which nest in bare ground and one which nests in rotting wood. Ground-nesting species often form big nesting aggregations along exposed banks, eroded cliffs, and bare slopes. All species are chunky and hairy and superficially resemble bumble bees, but note the brushes of hair on their hind legs for carrying pollen and yellow integument on faces of males. Anthophora have long tongues and often prefer foraging on tubular flowers.

Species covered:

Species requiring accounts:

• Anthophora bomboides
• Anthophora villosula
• Anthophora walshii