Subject: Is this a bumble bee covered with pollen?
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
September 23, 2013 10:30 pm
I have been seeing alot of thesehandsome bees in my backyard, they love the passionvine. I thought they where bumblebees covered in pollen.
But I’ve also noticed that I have bumblebees as well and they seem to bee a bit smaller than these golden bees.
I would be interested in knowing all about this insect?
Signature: Karen Bernard
Dear Karen,
This is the loveliest photo of a male Valley Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa varipuncta, a species with extreme sexual dimorphism. The color palette of your photo is quite harmonious.
Thank You! I love your site!