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A bee from across the pond. This is Lithurgus chrysurus. This is a Euro bee, but in the 70s some one noticed that their house in Philipsburg, NJ was being drilled to bits by bees.

A bee from across the pond. This is Lithurgus chrysurus. This is a Euro bee, but in the 70s some one noticed that their house in Philipsburg, NJ was being drilled to bits by bees.

A bee from across the pond. This is Lithurgus chrysurus. This is a Euro bee, but in the 70s some one noticed that their house in Philipsburg, NJ was being drilled to bits by bees.

A bee from across the pond. This is Lithurgus chrysurus. This is a Euro bee, but in the 70s some one noticed that their house in Philipsburg, NJ was being drilled to bits by bees.

In North America this genus are primarily cactus pollen specialists. Since this one was captured in the sandhills of North Carolina by Heather Campbell it is undoubtedly covered in Prickly Pear cactus pollen.

In North America this genus are primarily cactus pollen specialists. Since this one was captured in the sandhills of North Carolina by Heather Campbell it is undoubtedly covered in Prickly Pear cactus pollen.

In North America this genus are primarily cactus pollen specialists. Since this one was captured in the sandhills of North Carolina by Heather Campbell it is undoubtedly covered in Prickly Pear cactus pollen. Note the projecting shelf just below the antennae on this female...collected by Heather

A new record for Hawaii for Maui, this introduced species (only some members of Hylaeus are native) was known from other islands but this appears to be the first record for Maui. Not surprising since it nests in wood and could easily be transported among islands or it is big enough that it could simply fly there.

A new record for Hawaii for Maui, this introduced species (only some members of Hylaeus are native) was known from other islands but this appears to be the first record for Maui. Not surprising since it nests in wood and could easily be transported among islands or it is big enough that it could simply fly there.

A new record for Hawaii for Maui, this introduced species (only some members of Hylaeus are native) was known from other islands but this appears to be the first record for Maui. Not surprising since it nests in wood and could easily be transported among islands or it is big enough that it could simply fly there.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Lithurgus tibialis: a fascinating species in that it is much smaller and looks quiet different from other Lithurgus species occurring in Europe and has the peculiar preference for flowers of Chrozophora, a quite unusual pollen source.., but from studies in Greece it is clear that the females almost solely visit this plant and collect its pollen.

Ah, the lovely wild hummingbird attracting Cardinal Flower. Nice to have bright red emerging from the wetlands every once in a while. Photograph and specimen by Helen Lowe Metzman.

Ah, the lovely wild hummingbird attracting Cardinal Flower. Nice to have bright red emerging from the wetlands every once in a while. Photograph and specimen by Helen Lowe Metzman.

Indian tobacco - Check out the pooched out lower parts of the flower (not sure of the technical name). An annual that crops up all over the place in Maryland. Specimen and picture by Helen Lowe Metzman.

Indian tobacco - Check out the pooched out lower parts of the flower (not sure of the technical name). An annual that crops up all over the place in Maryland. Specimen and picture by Helen Lowe Metzman.

Great Blue Lobelia. A tall plant mid summer plant that is a nice addition to the relatively sparse bloom at that time of year for bees. So, you should plant some. Pictures and specimens taken by Helen Lowe Metzman.