FLOWER BEE

The Latin name for this bee is Anthophora retusa.

This is a largish bee with a body length of 1.5cm or more. It is broad and hairy, black and brown. The female has conspicuous orange-haired pollen baskets on her hind legs. The males have long, hairy legs.

These bees are among the earliest to be seen in the spring, and can easily be mistaken for bumble-bees.

They nest in the ground and will also burrow into walls.