Pacific Digger Bee
Anthophora pacifica
Apidae
Anthophora
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Description
Anthophora pacifica female bees are all dark in color, with dark hairs, except they have white scopal hairs on the hind legs (a nice contrast). Their abdomens are dark and often have a bluish tinge (much like Anthophora edwardsii) and the abdomen lacks distinct white banding. A distinguishing feature in male bees is the presence of long fringes of white hair on the middle tarsi (mid-leg - see photo above-left), and on the abdomen they have white hairs on tergum 1 and tergum 2, and black hairs on tergum 3 and tergum 4. Males have yellow patches on the face (clypeus and labrum), while females do not. Photos shown here are of males (still searching for female).
Nectar/
Pollen Plants
This bee is a nectar and pollen generalist. It has been seen on Mount Diablo on manzanita flowers.
Habits
These digger bees are ground nesters and they can nest in large clusters. This bee overwinters as an adult in its nest cell (unlike most bees, which overwinter as prepupae).
Season
February and March - not common.
