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Sleeping cuckoo bees - Brachymelecta californica - Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA April 5, 2009
I believe these are males of Xeromelecta californica, but would appreciate confirmation. They were retiring early, at only around 4 PM, seeking each other's company on a mesquite sapling. Still restless, one would occasionally stir, if not take wing, seeking a better "bunk." They cling, as you can see, with their mandibles alone.
Contributed by Eric R. Eaton on 6 April, 2009 - 2:52pm Last updated 10 November, 2012 - 10:53pm |