Digger Bee
Anthophora bomboides
insectView on iNaturalist
Large fuzzy mining bee with robust body and pollen-laden legs. Solitary nester in sandy soil; powerful forager for early spring wildflowers.
Plants that support Digger Bee
4 plants
Alameda County Thistle
Cirsium quercetorum
perennial herb
Pollen collection for nest provisioning
Bay Area native
Cobwebby Thistle
Cirsium occidentale var. venustum
annual
Specialist pollen collector on thistle flowers
Bay Area native
Mountain Coyote Mint
Monardella odoratissima
perennial herb
Early spring forager; important for spring colony establishment
Bay Area native
Western Azalea
Rhododendron occidentale
shrub
Spring nesting season food source, April-May
Bay Area native