Anthophora pueblo, Pueblo Digger Bee
- pollinators1
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 11
The Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo) is named in honor of the ancestral Pueblo peoples, who built cliff dwellings in the Four Corners region more than 700 years ago. These industrious, solitary bees use their mandibles to chew away at the sandstone—creating a network of tunnels and nesting chambers for egg-laying and larval development. Nesting sites have been found in Utah, California, Nevada, and Colorado, including Mesa Verde National Park. Sandstone is more durable than most other nesting options and may provide protection from environmental hazards like flashfloods, and reduced risk from predators and pathogens.
As a generalist pollinator with strategies for surviving harsh, arid conditions, Pueblo Digger Bees are an important contributor to the health of Colorado’s southwestern desert ecosystems.
In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects.
Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers.
Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report! Check out page 42 to discover more about the Pueblo Digger Bee!
