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Digger Bee
Anthophora sp.
33.7723, -118.042
Field Notes
Description:
These large bees resemble bumblebees. They are covered in hair, and may be any varied pattern. "The bee genus Anthophora is one of the largest in the family Apidae, with over 450 species worldwide in 14 different subgenera." As with most bees, identification of the genus can be made through comparison of wing venation. In addition, Anthophora possess an arolium between their tarsal claws. This pad assists the bees with walking on smooth surfaces.
Habitat:
"Nearly all species make nests in the soil, either in banks or in flat ground; the larvae develop in cells with waterproof linings and do not spin cocoons." This spotting was done at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, an estuary and bird sanctuary located next to the Pacific Ocean.
Notes:
In the pictures, there is some damage to the bee. The hairs on the bee's thorax (midsection) are swirled about and some are removed. It seems as though this bee may have escaped a recent attack! All direct quotes sourced from Wikipedia.
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