Here is a rare bee called a Brachynomada melanantha. The likely host, Anthophorula chionura, in the 2nd image had a large population in the area. One very interesting thing about this bee is according to the key, although the host tribe is known, the exact host bee is unknown.

When you see the original obnoxious meme going around on socials, post this one as a response.

Hello All! The pre-order store is now open. beeflashcards.backerkit.com/hosted_preorde…

I stopped to check for birds in the desert and I found some rocks glued together in a ball, 5’ up in tree. I remembered seeing something like it on the Native Bee cards I received yesterday. I wouldn’t have had any idea otherwise. Thanks Krystle Hickman !

Halictus tripartitus is both a very common and uncommon bee. In CA males are commonly seen in the central part of the state. Observations in the rest of the state are hard to come by. There is discussion that this species is reproducing asexually. Have you seen this male bee?

Here is a male Perdita minima on my finger. He's the smallest known bee in North America & potentially the smallest bee in the world at just under 2mm. He's likely releasing pheromones to attract females from the exposed light-colored area on the dorsal portion of his abdomen.

What a weekend! L.A. Public Library had 2 fantastic events! Saturday had a screening of Saging the World produced by @CNPS and a performance by Sage Against the Machine. Sunday had a screening of an episode of Nature involving 🐝 with Krystle Hickman giving an excellent presentation!

Thank you to PBS for asking me to lend my voice to two episodes of the children's program "Say What?" Which highlights the origins of various animal idioms. Click the link to watch one of the episodes. youtu.be/QY1fKiyWlMI?si…

Leioproctus zephyr was one of the bees on my list to photograph during my trip to Western Australia. Dr Kit Prendergast described & named them just last year. They're only known to exist in 7 locations across the southwest in Western Australia. #bees #kitprendergast #Leioproctuszephyr

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Pachyprosopis purnongensis bees visiting the flowers of the Australian Christmas tree Nuytsia floribunda. This tree can be up to 32 feet tall & is believed to be the largest parasitic plant in the world. Thanks to Dr Kit Prendergast for bee the ID

2023 has been a year of joy! I've traveled, cultivated wonderful friendships, and lived in the moment. I hope everyone experienced joy this year! Here's to a wonderful 2024!

Here is a Xylocopa virginica (Eastern Carpenter Bee) excavating a new tunnel in a slim tree trunk. She’s not eating the wood but drilling through it with her strong mandibles. These bees construct their nests in trees or wood frames. #bees #carpenterbees #xylcopoavirginica

1st photo is a tiny cuckoo bee called Stelis (likely) trichopyga. She will sneak into the nest of a host bee, the Osmiini (2nd photo), & lay an egg. That egg will hatch & kill or consume the egg or larva of the host bee. Then it will eat all the pollen provisioned by the host.

Happy #WorldBeeDay Terranova Ranch has made the decision to integrate native ecosystems into their farming practices. This has resulted in the creation of ecosystems that support bees like Perdita heliotropii, which have a symbiotic relationship with heliotrope flowers. #bees

1st pic is a fresh-looking Diadasia. 2nd & 3rd feature one who looks a bit different. He's bald, his wings are tattered, & he's missing a few segments on his left antenna. He may not be fluffy & whole, but he could still fly into his soft flower bed & have a well-deserved rest.

This week, I #TalkNerdy with conservation photographer, native bee educator and community scientist, Krystle Hickman! Krystle Hickman We chat about her endeavors photographing and studying native bees! 🐝🐝🐝 Listen on Talk Nerdy Podcast 🎙🎧👇🏼 carasantamaria.com/podcast/krystl…

Anthophora urbana clementina was once thought to only occur on San Clemente Island. This rare red subspecies is now on the mainland of California. Did they migrate? Is red coloration a recessive trait? And why are only females being seen? #bees #communityscience #conservation

While hiking in Colombia, I noticed Eulaema polychroma repeatedly trying to land on our guide. Thinking the bees might be drawn to her insect repellent I asked her to sprayed some on an umbrella, which worked. Males collect scents to mix into a cologne to attract possible mates.