Table of contents
Introduction
The Giant Willow Flower Bee (Anthophora furcata) is a striking, early-flying solitary bee that often draws attention due to its size, speed, and bumblebee-like appearance. Active mainly in spring, it is one of the larger flower bees found in the UK and is known for its rapid, darting flight between flowers.
In the UK, this species is most commonly encountered in gardens, parks, woodland edges, hedgerows, and open countryside, particularly where early-flowering trees and shrubs are present. It plays an important role in spring pollination, visiting a wide range of blossoms at a time when relatively few pollinators are active.
Although still widespread, the Giant Willow Flower Bee can be affected by habitat loss, pesticide use, and the decline of early-flowering plants. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Anthophora furcata, distinguish it from similar bees, and understand how to support it in gardens and natural landscapes.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Giant Willow Flower Bee |
| Latin Name | Anthophora furcata |
| Size | ~14–17 mm |
| Location | Widespread across England and Wales; local in Scotland |
| Active Months | March to June |
| Habitat | Gardens, parks, woodland edges, hedgerows |
| Nesting Behaviour | Nests in soil banks, walls, and soft mortar |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary |
| Flora | Willow, fruit blossom, lungwort, dead-nettle |
| UK Status | Locally common |
How to Identify the Giant Willow Flower Bee
The Giant Willow Flower Bee is a large, robust bee with dense body hair and a fast, purposeful flight that can resemble a small bumblebee at first glance. Its colouration is generally dark with pale hair bands, and it often appears stocky and powerful in flight.
In the UK, it is most often seen visiting early spring flowers, especially willow catkins and garden plants such as lungwort. Its tendency to fly rapidly between flowers rather than hover is a useful identification clue.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Large and sturdy, with dense hair and pollen carried on the hind legs; often darker overall.
- Male (Drone) – Similar in size but slimmer, often with longer antennae and lighter facial hair.
Similar Species
The Giant Willow Flower Bee can be confused with other large, fast-flying bees:
- Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) – Males are pale and hover more frequently; females have distinctive orange pollen brushes on the hind legs.
- Early Bumblebees (Bombus species) – Bumblebees have slower, heavier flight and clear pollen baskets.
- Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) – Smaller and slower, with a bright orange thorax.
If you’re unsure which bee you’ve spotted, our Bee Identification guide can help you narrow down UK species by size, colour, and behaviour.
Why the Giant Willow Flower Bee Matters
The Giant Willow Flower Bee is an important early-season pollinator, particularly of trees and shrubs such as willow and fruit blossom. Its activity helps support pollination at a time when many plants rely on a small number of active insects.
By visiting a wide range of early flowers, it contributes to biodiversity and supports the broader pollinator network during spring.
FAQs
No. This species is generally calm and focused on foraging. It is unlikely to sting unless handled.
It is mainly active in spring, typically from March to June.
No. It is locally common in suitable habitats, particularly in southern and central regions.
Females can sting, but stings are uncommon and usually only occur if the bee is handled.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Giant Willow Flower Bee is straightforward and garden-friendly:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Willow, fruit trees, lungwort, dead-nettle
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid insecticides, especially in early spring when bees are emerging
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave earth banks, soft mortar, and undisturbed soil available for nesting
By planting early-flowering shrubs and avoiding unnecessary disturbance, you help support the Giant Willow Flower Bee and other spring pollinators.
