Anthophora

Taxobox
name = "Anthophora"

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image_size = 250px
image_caption = "Anthophora sp."
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Hymenoptera
superfamilia = Apoidea
familia = Apidae
subfamilia = Apinae
genus = "Anthophora"
genus_authority = Latreille, 1803
subdivision_ranks = Subgenera
subdivision = see text

The genus "Anthophora" is one of the largest in the family Apidae, with over 450 species worldwide in 14 different subgenera. They are most abundant and diverse in the Holarctic and African biogeogrpahic regions. All species are solitary, though many nest in large aggregations. Nearly all species make nests in the soil, either in banks or in flat ground; the larvae develop in cells with waterproof linings and do not spin cocoons. Males commonly have pale white or yellow facial markings, and/or peculiarly modified leg armature and hairs. They are distinguished from the very similar genus "Amegilla" by the possession of an arolium between the tarsal claws.

References

*C. D. Michener (2000) "The Bees of the World", Johns Hopkins University Press.

External links

* [http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Anthophora Anthophora Identification Guide]
* [http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Anthophora List of Species]
* [http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20m?kind=Anthophora_ Worldwide Species Map]