Hairy-Footed Flower Bee

One of the first solitary bees to emerge in the Spring, this male bee (Anthophora plumipes) was caught inside some netting on the allotment.

His hairy legs were obvious as soon as I got close and the light colouring identifies it as a male. Look at those long hairs! 

He’s out and about looking for a mate and enjoying nectar from daffodils, pulmonaria and other tube-shaped Spring flowers. It has a long tongue to get at the precious nectar. 

The males have this light cream furry face whereas females are mostly all black with orange hairy middle legs. The females nest in soft mortar or soil, often in groups with other hairy-footed bees.

Once you’ve seen these hairy legs you’ll never forget this bee’s identification! As with most bees, this variety doesn’t sting and is a great pollinator.