The gorgeous Osmia distincta. First off, that blue! Unlike any other blue, it is radiating raw, liquid heat, and so unlike any other blue as to be an entire new color. Phew. This bee is also a specialist (in case you want to find a liquid heat bee) it is a specialist on beardstoungue with their odd little flowers (look up Penstemon pollination for some fun reading) which provide pollen to those who have the proper tools. This love for penstemon pollen is why this species has hairs on its head that point forward. They excel at finding small patches of beardstongue in gardens and in the wild. If you plant it they will show up. Here you have another reason to plant a diverse native flower portfolio in your garden...no Penstemon no Liquid Hot Bees. Diversify yourself please.
