Sunday, February 17, 2013

Anthophora Urbana

Anthophora Urbana
 The Anthophora Urbana is a solitary bee that can be found in this area. They are a member of the genus Anthophora, a large genus in the Apidae family. They do not live in hives like honey bees. Instead they live in solitary holes that they dig in the soil. Often numerous bees will have burrows in the same area. I commonly find these at Crex Meadows, where I took this photo. Crex has a good number of sand prairies which are excellent habitat for this species. The sand makes it easier to dig burrows and there are plenty of flowers to get nectar from. This bee is perched on butterfly weed. A common form of milkweed with bright orange flowers. As its name would suggest butterfly weed is good at attracting butterflies and other nectar eating insects. 


11 comments:

Self Sagacity said...

what a great macro photo. I love the color combination.

vincibene said...

Fantastic Macro!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Isn't he pretty as he works away on that beautiful flower. Lovely shot.

chica said...

Perfeita! beijos,chica

Molly said...

Excellent macro shot, you have really captured the detail well

Mollyxxx

namaki said...

this is a very sharp and crisp capture ! The colors are gorgeous too !

joy said...

amazing shot and facts about them!

DeniseinVA said...

A great photo, lovely to see! Thanks for sharing with Today's Flowers again :)

Nonnie said...

this burrowing bee reminds me of hornets. just seeing it makes me cringe!

Bettey said...

Beautiful colors! I cant wait for flowers to return to my area... Spring cannot come soon enough!

meldelaselva said...

Nice, but that is a sand wasp, Bembicinae. Possibly a Bembix species.