description Anthophora bomboides Overview
Anthophora bomboides is a solitary digger bee native to North America, first described by William Kirby in 1837. The species is notable for its Batesian mimicry of bumblebees, closely resembling them in appearance and behavior to deter predators. Unlike true bumblebees, which are social, A. bomboides is a solitary species that nests in the ground.
It belongs to the family Apidae and the genus Anthophora, which includes numerous solitary bee species.
help Anthophora bomboides FAQ
Is Anthophora bomboides a bumblebee?
No. Anthophora bomboides is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae that resembles a true bumblebee in appearance.
Why does Anthophora bomboides look like a bumblebee?
Its coloring is an example of Batesian mimicry, in which a relatively less dangerous species resembles a stinging or otherwise defended species. The bumblebee model belongs to the genus Bombus, while this bee belongs to Anthophora.
Does Anthophora bomboides live in a hive?
It does not form a honeybee-style colony or hive. Females make and provision their own nests, although many individual nests can occur together in a large aggregation.
Where does Anthophora bomboides make its nest?
This North American digger bee commonly nests in bare ground, sandy banks, or coastal bluffs. A group of small holes in an exposed bank can therefore indicate several solitary females nesting near one another.
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