Photo: Outlined in pollen

Photo by Gloria Z. Nagler

Mason Bee outlined in pollen (I’m 85% sure it’s a mason bee, but if you, reader, have a different opinion, let me know!):  These little bees don't have pollen sacks like honeybees and some bumblebees do.

Instead, the females have hairs (“pollen brush”) below their abdomen to collect pollen. And some mason bees nest in abandoned snail shells! So kind of them to recycle:)

Judging from this bee’s pollen load, these little guys are pollinating like crazy. My thanks to the National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to Insects and Spiders.

--Gloria Nagler