Insects are the only group of invertebrates that have evolved wings and flight. Insects first flew in the Carboniferous, some 300 to 350 million years ago, making them the first animals to evolve flight. Wings may have evolved from appendages on the sides of existing limbs, which already had nerves, joints, and muscles used for other purposes. These may initially have been used for sailing on water, or to slow the rate of descent when gliding.--Wikipedia
Taking flight during National Pollinator Week, June 22-28 is a beautiful thing.
A honey bee, a longhorned bee, a bumble bee, a digger bee, a sweat bee...
Wings up!
What's more beautiful than a bee in flight?
Cover image: Yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, in flight. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)