bonnienickel's Favourites
Photos / Sounds
What
Tumor Stem Gall Midge (Asphondylia atriplicis)Observer
patsimpson2000Description
Gall on Big Saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis).
These galls were everywhere on many of the big saltbush plants.
First time I see molts on the outside of a gall.
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Euphorb Mini-Fairy Bee (Perdita minima)Observer
asia22Description
at least 4 individuals this time, 2 females for sure; temperatures 90-95, wind speed much lower like 5-10mph
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Observer
patsimpson2000Description
ID confirmed by Dr. Michael Orr.
First mainland record of endemic San Clemente Island bee.
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Spotted Mini-Digger-Cuckoo (Zacosmia maculata)Observer
markkjamesDescription
One of the strangest bees I have ever observed at Mission Trails! About the size of Halictus but encrusted in a fungus or is it a cuckoo bee? What I thought were pollen baskets (growths?) have several spikes protruding. Note the growth at the bottom of the abdomen in #2). AI not helpful.
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Subgenus AnthidiumObserver
carrotpeopleDescription
Acted like a female, flying slowly visiting lots of flowers, did not land on the sand
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Observer
bonnienickelDescription
On Encelia californica. There were maybe half a dozen others flying around this bush but not pausing to forage
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Subgenus DianthidiumObserver
naturephotosuzeDescription
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
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Observer
bonnienickelDescription
The AI suggested Centris pallida, but this location near the beach would be way out of its range.
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Genus DiadasiaObserver
roomthilyDescription
multiple bee clumps. one little spot just off the road with hundreds of oil-diggers. loud.
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Shining Mini-Digger (Anthophorula nitens)Observer
markkjamesDescription
First time seeing any bee on Zeltnera venusta (California Centaury).
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Genus AshmeadiellaObserver
markkjamesDescription
I was observing a pair of Diadasia australis in a prickly pear blossum with the sudden drop-in of an Ashmeadiella bee! #3 & 4 also shows the additional appearance of Nitops pallipennis (cactus sap beetle).
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/169087762
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/169089097
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Long-faced Cellophane Bee (Colletes longifacies)Observer
cpgibsonDescription
On Liatris tenuifolia. Malar proportions look at least 3/4 as long as wide.
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Subgenus DianthidiumObserver
markkjamesDescription
Mating on Stephanomeria diegensis (San Diego wirelettuce).
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Anthophora hololeucaObserver
mhedinDescription
visiting Dyebush (Psorothamnus emoryi)
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Triopasites pennigerObserver
thumbwaveDescription
5mm long. Resting on flower. 62F, overcast.
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Genus DiadasiaObserver
markkjamesDescription
Found head first in a declining Calochortus splendids flower.
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California Resin-Leafcutter (Trachusa perdita)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Found several nest burrows with several bees in constant motion above them. Saw a few land and enter. Anthophora?
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Holcopasites ruthaeObserver
bonnienickelDescription
Have no idea—never seen a bee like this. Very tiny. It was near a nesting site of another species (since IDed as Calliopsis pugionis). Males of the other species were flying over the soil where numerous nest holes had been excavated, presumably trolling for females to mate with.
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Diadasia laticaudaObserver
beesipDescription
female, mating pair, mating ball, male asleep, female in turret, turret compared to the larger one of D. bituberculata & male waiting for a female to emerge
ID'd by Doug Yanega
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Twisted-horned Mini-Digger (Anthophorula torticornis)Observer
cstewart88Description
Very small, maybe 5-6mm about house fly sized if not smaller
Kinked antenna visible
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Genus AsteromyiaObserver
milliebasdenDescription
Gall collected yesterday (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33726733) and opened today to attempt clearer photos of what I think is a larva (the tan thing?). Other galls from same plant are in sealed terrarium hoping insect will emerge for ID.
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Longhorn Bees (Tribe Eucerini)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Party of at least five found huddled inside Calochortus splendens (splendid mariposa lily).
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Calliopsis hesperiaObserver
nature4lzwDescription
Seen on small Alkali Heliotrope flowers and sand in the middle of the trail. San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.
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Observer
milliebasdenDescription
this observation is for the small insect on the flower
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Peridot Sweat Bee (Augochlorella pomoniella)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Much more cooperative than usual.
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Genus DiadasiaObserver
jimpark67Description
These bees were flying in and out of multiple bee-sized holes in the ground. They moved pretty fast.
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California Mountain-Digger Bee (Habropoda depressa)Observer
carrotpeopleDescription
I will upload the rest of the survey pics in a bit, but was excited about this guy so posted it first.
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Flatcrown Buckwheat (Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum)Observer
bonnienickelDescription
HUGE leaves! What the heck is this?
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All-dark Miner (Andrena perimelas)Observer
markkjamesDescription
Saw several on Encelia californica during 10 minute survey. Possibly Andrena perimelas? Observed similar onTP2 in March, 2022.
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Calliopsis puellaeObserver
alice_abelaDescription
Powder Dump Wash area, Anza Borrego, San Diego County, California
