Flower bee

Species: Hairy-footed flower bee

Scientific name: Anthophora plumipes

Appearance: The body is very hairy. Females are usually all black or dark brown whereas males are grey or brown. The middle legs of males are longer than the other legs. Female have orange hairs on their lower hind legs.

Size: 1.3-1.5cm long.

Natural History: This flower bee is solitary and does not form colonies. Females make nests in clay slopes or mud where they lay eggs in single cells which they also fill with pollen.