Hairy-footed flower bee
Anthophora plumipes
The hairy-footed flower bee is one of the earliest wild bee species to emerge in spring and closely resembles a small bumblebee. It is characterized by dense fur and an exceptionally long proboscis, which allows it to extract nectar from deep flower corollas such as lungwort. Males are distinguished by conspicuous long hairs on their middle tarsi and a pale facial mask, whereas females are typically robust and black. This solitary species nests in vertical soil banks or old masonry and serves as a vital pollinator during the early season.
Details
Identification
Bumblebee-like build, extremely long proboscis, males with conspicuously hairy middle tarsi and whitish-yellow facial markings.
Social behavior
Solitary living, but often forms large nesting aggregations at suitable locations.
Diet
Polylectic species; collects pollen and nectar from a variety of plants, especially lungwort, dead-nettles, corydalis, and comfrey.
Spawning substrate
Vertical walls of clay or loess, embankments, as well as soft mortar in old walls.
Overwintering
Overwintering as a fully developed adult (imago) within the sealed brood cell.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important pollinator for early-flowering wild plants and fruit trees.
Natural predators
Birds (e.g., tits), robber flies, and the cuckoo bee Melecta albifrons.
Competitor species
Other early-flying bee species such as bumblebee queens or the orchard mason bee.
Ecosystem service
Pollination services in gardens, parks, and agricultural landscapes during early spring.
Threats
Loss of nesting opportunities due to renovation of old walls and soil sealing, as well as lack of food sources in sterile gardens.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Long proboscis (approx. 12 mm), very fast, hoverfly-like flight with a high-pitched hum. Males with extremely elongated and long-haired middle tarsi (hence the name: plumipes = feather-foot).
Habitat
Settlement areas (gardens, parks), forest edges, orchard meadows, and riverbanks with steep slopes.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Renovation of old walls (loss of nesting sites), sealing of steep banks, lack of early-flowering food plants in agricultural landscapes.
Population trend
Stable; the species is considered common in Germany and partially benefits from climate warming (range expansion to the north).
Conservation measures
Preservation of unplastered clay and dry stone walls, promotion of early bloomers (esp. lungwort), provision of clay-based nesting aids.