Anthophora ursina
This record describes Anthophora ursina (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Apinae
- Tribe
- Anthophorini
- Genus
- Anthophora (Digger Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New York and the New England states, south to Georgia
Seasonal Activity
March to June
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cresson, 1869 Specific epithet may refer to the ursine (bear-like) appearance
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Anthophora ursina. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anthophora ursina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthophora ursina
How big is Anthophora ursina?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 15-16 mm. |
| Male | 14.5-16 mm. |
Where is Anthophora ursina found?
Range: New York and the New England states, south to Georgia
When is Anthophora ursina active?
Anthophora ursina: seasonal activity - March to June.