In Minnesota, there are four described species within the genus Anthidium. Two of these species, Anthidium manicatum and A. oblongatum, are introduced or non-native species and more commonly observed than the native species, A. psoraleae and A. tenuiflorae. A. tenuiflorae was last recorded in Minnesota in 1939. A. psoraleae, a specialist of Psoralea, has only been recorded in three Minnesota counties. The two non-native species are generalists, commonly visiting weedy and invasive plants such as birdsfoot trefoil. These non-native males establish territories near the plants frequented by females looking for pollen, nectar, or nest materials (carded plant hairs). Males defend their territories, often flying into intruders, knocking them off flowers with the spines on the end of their abdomen. Bees in this genus construct solitary nests either in pre-existing cavities aboveground or belowground and line their nests with collected plant hairs.

Females collect pollen on hairs underneath their abdomen. Anthidium are robustly-shaped, have a black or dark gray integument, and large mandibles housing five or more teeth. The non-native species have yellow markings on their head, thorax, and legs; the native species have white or light yellow markings. Bees in this genus are adept at hovering, particularly when near flowers or when males are defending an established territory. Unlike other bees in the tribe Anthidini (Anthidiellum, Dianthidium, and Paranthidium), Anthidium do not have an arolium (a pad between their front tarsal claws). Bees in this genus range in length from 8 to 17 mm (0.3 to 0.7 inches).