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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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Nomada maculata, m, back, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, back, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, back, Charles Co. Maryland

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

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Nomada maculata, m, face, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, face, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, face, Charles Co. Maryland

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

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Nomada maculata, m, left side, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, left side, Charles Co. Maryland
Nomada maculata, m, left side, Charles Co. Maryland

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

The only bidentate Nomada I feel comfortablish identifying. All the rest blend together morphologically and maybe molecularly. This is one of the largest and most common of the bidentates and has a unique set of tibial spurs (which is not saying much) and some general coloration patterns that are helpful. Collected in Charles County, Maryland USA.

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Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, A.A Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, A.A Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, A.A Co., MD

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

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Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, face, A.A Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, face, A.A Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, face, A.A Co., MD

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

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Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, mandibles, A.A. Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, mandibles, A.A. Co., MD
Nomada near pygmaea, gynandromorph, mandibles, A.A. Co., MD

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

Intersex. Gynandromorph. Part Male: Park Female. Here is a lovely example. In this case the intersex section is restricted to the head. This is a Nomada of the pygmaea group. pygmaea group indicates that this is probably a group of species, but....I can't tell them apart. Long story.

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Nomada obliterata, f, back, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, back, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, back, Washington D.C

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

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Nomada obliterata, f, face, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, face, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, face, Washington D.C

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

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Nomada obliterata, f, left, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, left, Washington D.C
Nomada obliterata, f, left, Washington D.C

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

Rare Parasitic Bee (Nomada obliterata). Some bees are just rare. Or, at least rarely found. This specimen here is the first known specimen from Washington D.C. where it was discovered at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the long neglected Anacostia River. Neglected but not absent of biodiversity. What is the "obliterata" part of its name about?

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Nomada parva, Female, Back, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Back, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Back, Maryland, Wicomico County

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

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Nomada parva, Female, Face, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Face, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Face, Maryland, Wicomico County

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

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Nomada parva, Female, Side, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Side, Maryland, Wicomico County
Nomada parva, Female, Side, Maryland, Wicomico County

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

One of the tiniest of all the Nomada..so small that it made no sense to try and Photoshop out the pin on which it was glued. We are production operation, rarely do we have the luxury of having specimens that we can prepare beforehand for picture taking. Thus you take what is given to you.

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Nomada pilipes, F, side,Dominican Republic, La Ve jarabacoa
Nomada pilipes, F, side,Dominican Republic, La Ve jarabacoa
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Nomada placida, male, back, Alleghany, Co
Nomada placida, male, back, Alleghany, Co
Nomada placida, male, back, Alleghany, Co

A late season Nomada, this is Nomada placida. It (like all Nomada) is a nest parasite of something. But what? Given its dates of occurrence it may be some of the late season Andrena. Nomada in the fall are always rare and of interest ....fyi. Collected on Warrior Mountain in Maryland.

A late season Nomada, this is Nomada placida. It (like all Nomada) is a nest parasite of something. But what? Given its dates of occurrence it may be some of the late season Andrena. Nomada in the fall are always rare and of interest ....fyi. Collected on Warrior Mountain in Maryland.

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Nomada rubicunda, f, back, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, back, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, back, Minnesota

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

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Nomada rubicunda, f, face, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, face, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, face, Minnesota

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

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Nomada rubicunda, f, right side, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, right side, Minnesota
Nomada rubicunda, f, right side, Minnesota

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

Yet more uncommon Nomada from Southern Minnesota. This one, Nomada rubicunda, is one that I associate with sandy areas and is, I believe, and Agapostemon nest parasite...likely A. splendens, only a few records in Maryland, but can be relatively common in sandhill country.

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Nomada rubicunda, m, back, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, back, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, back, Worchester Co, MD

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

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Nomada rubicunda, m, face, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, face, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, face, Worchester Co, MD

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

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Nomada rubicunda, m, side, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, side, Worchester Co, MD
Nomada rubicunda, m, side, Worchester Co, MD

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

Nomada rubicunda. This species is a nest parasite of bees in the genus Agapostemon....most Nomada are nest parasites of Andrena. This species is probably focused on Agapostemon splendens. Photographed by Joseph Malone and Amanda Robinson. One of only two records for Maryland, collected on fossil dunes by Jen Frye.

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Nomada seneciophila, f, back, md, charles county
Nomada seneciophila, f, back, md, charles county
Nomada seneciophila, f, back, md, charles county

What a lovely bee. This is Nomada seneciophila. A bee that had not been seen for over 20 years until I netted a set on the Pomonkey DOD base in Charles County Maryland. The host for this rare bee is unknown, but now I think I know what it is because at that same site was Andrena gardineri another rare bee and a specialist on ragwort ...

What a lovely bee. This is Nomada seneciophila. A bee that had not been seen for over 20 years until I netted a set on the Pomonkey DOD base in Charles County Maryland. The host for this rare bee is unknown, but now I think I know what it is because at that same site was Andrena gardineri another rare bee and a specialist on ragwort ...