Mourecotelles, Unknown Hairyeye Bee, collected in Argentina

What an attractive bee, unfortunately, that is about all we can say about this species other than it is found in the western temperate regions of South America. It belongs to a little studied group and most of the work that has been done comes from museums where 22 species have been described from various collections. There is one note that a few nests were found in wooden traps nests that mimic naturally occurring beetle holes or cavities in plant stems, whether that holds true for all species is unknown. Just in this genus alone exists dozens of graduate degrees, waiting for someone to explore this group’s life history.

15:46, 3 February 2015 (UTC)15:46, 3 February 2015 (UTC){{{{{{0}}}}}}15:46, 3 February 2015 (UTC)15:46, 3 February 2015 (UTC)

All photographs are public domain, feel free to download and use as you wish.

Photography Information: Canon Mark II 5D, Zerene Stacker, Stackshot Sled, 65mm Canon MP-E 1-5X macro lens, Twin Macro Flash in Styrofoam Cooler, F5.0, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 200

Further in Summer than the Birds Pathetic from the Grass A minor Nation celebrates Its unobtrusive Mass. No Ordinance be seen So gradual the Grace A pensive Custom it becomes Enlarging Loneliness. Antiquest felt at Noon When August burning low Arise this spectral Canticle Repose to typify Remit as yet no Grace No Furrow on the Glow Yet a Druidic Difference Enhances Nature now

      -- Emily Dickinson

Contact information: Sam Droege sdroege@usgs.gov