Monday 22 April 2019

Hairy-footed Flower bee

Andy M noticed a smaller bee in the garden last weekend (13th April), about 10-12 mm long with a 'blunt' rounded abdomen, completely black except some buff-coloured hairs on the hind legs, and a long proboscis. It seemed to be being 'followed around' by a similar sized bee, which was gingery-coloured with a banded abdomen. A little investigation indicated these were both Hairy-footed Flower Bees (Anthophora plumipes), the black one being a female, and the gingery one a male. One of the earliest solitary bees to emerge (seen Feb-June), they are found throughout southern England, being most common in the south and east.

Hairy-footed Flower Bee (female)
 Hairy-footed Flower Bee (female)
 Hairy-footed Flower Bee (female)

 Hairy-footed Flower Bee (male)
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)