bees

this is the digger bee (scientific name: anthophorini)! they gained their name from their chosen method of nesting: in the ground! though this may seem peculiar, it’s actually common! 70% of the 20,000 species of bees in existence nest underground! (side note: do not refer to ground bee nests as “bee holes”. learned that the hard way.)

aw lawd he comin’! that’s right folks, it’s the one you’ve all been waiting for: the common bumblebee (genus: bombus, part of apidae)! the common bumblebee is part of over 250 species in this genus, found typically in higher latitudes and altitudes in the northern hemisphere!

this is the sweat bee (scientific name: halictidae)! as noted in their name, sweat bees are particularly attracted to perspiration! their appearance is distinct and iridescent with hints of green and sometimes blue!

this is the yellow-faced bee (scientific name: hylaeus)! commonly mistaken for a wasp because of its distinct coloration and virtual lack of hair, the yellow-faced bee is particularly slender, which helps it squeeze into flowers to collect nectar and pollen!

this is the blue orchard bee or the orchard mason bee (scientific name: osmia lignaria)! it’s known for its prized efficiency in pollinating fruit trees! the blue orchard bee makes nests in reeds and natural holes, but it cannot drill holes in wood!

feedin’ time babies!

beesus christ

he’s not the hero we want, but the hero we deserve (he’s killing wasps not bees, don’t worry)