Discovering Digger Bees in New Mexico

Digger bee investigating a flower

Hello, bee enthusiasts!

Today, let's dig into the fascinating world of digger bees, one of New Mexico's hardworking native pollinators. These bees are known for their impressive ground nests and essential role in our ecosystem. Let’s explore what makes digger bees so special and how we can support them.

Who Are the Digger Bees?

Digger bees, primarily from the family Anthophoridae, are solitary bees that nest in the ground. Unlike social bees such as honeybees, each female digger bee builds her own nest, often in sandy or loose soil. These bees are typically robust, with hairy bodies that are perfect for collecting and carrying pollen.

The Life of a Digger Bee

In early spring, female digger bees emerge from their underground burrows, ready to start a new nesting season. They choose well-drained, often sandy, soil to dig their nests. Each nest consists of a main tunnel with several branching chambers, where the female lays her eggs. She provisions each chamber with a mixture of pollen and nectar, creating a food source for the developing larvae.

Pollination Powerhouses

Digger bees are excellent pollinators. They visit a wide variety of plants, from wildflowers to crops, ensuring that these plants are effectively pollinated. Their hairy bodies are particularly efficient at picking up and transferring pollen, making them crucial for the health of our natural landscapes and gardens.

Digger Bees in New Mexico

New Mexico’s diverse environments are ideal for digger bees. From deserts to grasslands, these bees thrive in various habitats across the state. Some common plants that attract digger bees in New Mexico include:

• Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

• Indian Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella)

• Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

• Evening Primrose (Oenothera spp.)

Supporting Digger Bees

Creating a welcoming environment for digger bees is simple and rewarding. Here are some tips to help these beneficial pollinators:

1. Leave Bare Patches of Soil: Digger bees need bare, undisturbed soil to dig their nests. Avoid covering your entire garden with mulch or grass.

2. Plant Native Flowers: Incorporate a variety of native flowers that bloom at different times to provide continuous food sources for digger bees.

3. Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm digger bees. Opt for organic gardening methods and encourage natural pest control through beneficial insects.

4. Create a Bee Bath: Like all bees, digger bees need water. Provide a shallow dish with water and pebbles for them to land on and drink safely.

5. Observe and Enjoy: Spend time watching these fascinating bees as they go about their busy lives. Their industrious nature and dedication to pollination are truly inspiring.

Join the Buzz!

Understanding and supporting digger bees is a small but significant step toward preserving our native bee populations and the overall health of our environment. By making your garden a pollinator paradise, you’re helping ensure that these important bees continue to thrive in New Mexico.

Happy gardening, and may your garden always be buzzing with life!