Bug Squad

It's never too early to think about the pollinators.

Boys will be boys! Especially on a Mexican sunflower (Tithonia). It's a favorite of Melissodes and Svastra sunflower bees. The males get downright defensive and aggressive when it comes to protecting their turf and seeking the females of their species.

There's a "me" in mead. And now you have a chance not only to meet your (mead) maker but learn how to make a small batch of mead. The UC Davis Honey and Pollination Center wants you to know that.

Just call them "snuggle bugs." Or "snuggle bees." After spending the day chasing the girls and defending their patch of Mexican sunflowers or Tithonia, a cluster of Melissodes robustior males settled down for the night. Their bed last night: a Tithonia leaf curl. Before that, some lavender stems.

Hurray for the red, white and blue! One more day until we celebrate the birth of our country, Independence Day, and the patriotic colors will be out in force. Insects, also, can be red, white and blue. Take the red flameskimmer dragonfly (Libellula saturata).