The bee 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 biogeographic 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. Anthophora individuals can be distinguished from the very similar genus Amegilla by the possession of an arolium between the tarsal claws. Species include: Anthophora bimaculata Anthophora curta Anthophora dispar Anthophora edwardsii Anthophora fedorica Anthophora flexipes Anthophora urbana Anthophora furcata Anthophora plumipes Anthophora pueblo Anthophora retusa See also List of Anthophora species References C. D. Michener (2000) The Bees of the World, Johns Hopkins University Press. External links Discover Life, Anthophora Identification Guide Discover Life, List of Species Discover Life, Worldwide Species Map Anthophora abrupta Say on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site Apinae Bee genera Taxa named by Pierre André Latreille