Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Anthophora
Species: Anthophora plumipes
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it has a length between 10 and 13 mm (male), and 12 and 16 mm (female). Regarding its characteristics, the most notable are clearly the long golden hairs on its legs (more visible in females), and its robust and compact body also covered in hairs, although shorter. The color of these hairs is golden-brown with darker stripes. The wings are transparent, yellowish or brownish, with well-marked veins.
It is a diurnal species. It is mainly active during the hottest hours. On cloudy or cold days, it tends to stay in the nest. It feeds mainly on nectar and pollen from flowers. It carries the pollen on the hairs of its hind legs to the nest. They build nests by digging a tunnel in sandy soil in the sun. The breeding season occurs in the summer; the males leave the nest where they were born and wait for the females near flowers. After mating, each female makes her own nest (there are no hives or queens), and the males leave (they die earlier). The nest is built vertically and is composed of several lateral chambers. Next, they make brood cells, one in each chamber. These cells are made with a mixture of pollen and nectar, and a single egg is placed on top of the mass, then the cell is sealed with soil. This mass will serve as food for the larva. The egg hatches after a few days, and after the larva feeds, it transforms into a pupa. During the autumn and winter it remains in the cocoon, emerging the following summer, repeating the cycle.
Regarding interaction with humans, it is quite peaceful and rarely stings, only if grabbed. It avoids contact with people. Even if it stings, the bite is not very painful. Only the females sting; the male does not have a stinger. It does not die from stinging, as the stinger does not remain embedded in the skin.
Habitat and Distribution
Their preferred habitats are dry, sunny areas with loose soil, such as sandy soils, for building their nests. They also prefer locations with plenty of flowers. Examples include coastal dunes, fields and meadows, and forest clearings.
It is a common insect in Portugal, but is most frequently observed above the Tagus River, in coastal and lowland areas. In the south, it is more common in the Algarve. It is less common in forested and mountainous areas. The most common areas for observation are coastal areas in general, specifically sandy beaches with flowers.
