Anthophora plumipes, commonly known as the hairy-footed flower bee, is known for its dense, hairy legs and rapid flight. These solitary bees inhabit temperate regions and are active early in spring. They are important pollinators, frequently visiting early-blooming flowers like primroses and lungwort.

Anthophora plumipes, commonly known as the hairy-footed flower bee, is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is widely distributed across Western and Central Europe, including countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and extending into parts of Southern Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. The species is also found in parts of North Africa and extends eastwards into regions of Asia, such as Turkey and the Caucasus.

Anthophora plumipes typically inhabits temperate regions with a preference for environments that offer abundant floral resources. The species is often found in gardens, urban areas, woodlands, and meadows. It thrives in areas with a moderate climate, where temperatures allow for active foraging and nesting during the spring and summer months.

The ecological niche of Anthophora plumipes involves pollination, as it is an important pollinator of early spring flowers. It has a preference for tubular flowers and is known for its rapid, hovering flight near flowers. The bee is adapted to a variety of flowering plants and plays a vital role in the pollination of both wild and cultivated plants. Due to its ability to forage in cooler temperatures, it is one of the first bees to become active in the spring.