Bug Squad

A daily (M-F) blog launched Aug. 6, 2008 and about the wonderful world of insects and those who study them. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
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A bumble bee, identified as a male Bombus californicus, foraging on Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola, in a Vacaville garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Bumble Bees and Tithonia: Perfect Match

July 25, 2023
A perfect match: a bumble bee foraging on a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. Lately we've been observing a bumble bee, identified as a maleCalifornia bumble bee, Bombus californicus, sipping nectar from the colorful orange blooms in our Vacaville pollinator garden. B.
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A male leafcutter bee lands on a spent flower. He is not alone. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Good Morning for a Bee

July 24, 2023
It's a beautiful morning and life is good. A male leafcutter bee (genus Megachile) drops down on a spent flower in a Vacaville pollinator garden. He's warming his flight muscles, ready to greet the day--and maybe a female of his species. Mr.
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