Sure, it might not seem like a high ground perch to you, but high ground is relative. This one is a feared predator so must know what they’re doing. [Alameda, CA 3-10-26]

Our beloved fence pets are back. [Xylocopa sonorina male and female, Alameda, CA 2-28-26] #bees #nativebees

Predator vs. Predator: The Reckoning. It seems Aphid Lions (green lacewing larvae) are just a bit more predatory than lady beetle larvae (Aphid Gators?). Don’t remember seeing this scene before. [Ventura, CA 2-15-26] #entomology #macro

The female dodged me today but not long after a male appeared, taking a break from turf patrol. Presented in quarter-speed-o-vision. [Xylocopa tabaniformis orpifex, Alameda, CA 2-3-26] #bees #nativebees

The Very Hungry Monarch [Alameda, CA 1-31-26] #butterflies

I spotted a Foothill Carpenter Bee yesterday but didn’t manage to get a picture. I went to another spot I knew they like to frequent today and sure enough... [Alameda, CA 1-30-26] #bees #nativebees

Haven’t seen any native bees since the week of rains we had but now that it’s sunny again we do have Monarchs for entertainment… [Alameda, CA 1-13-26] #entomology #pollinators #butterflies

Christmas Eve had a sunny mid-day in a wet week and the neighborhood blooming manzanitas brought out the Black-tailed Bumble Bees. [Bombus melanopygus, Alameda, CA 12-24-25] #bees #nativebees #bumblebees

Sure, you can count them on the middle fingers they’re giving to the concept of bee seasons, but nonetheless these Agapostemon subtilior males are still diligently trying to conduct their business… in mid-December. [Alameda, CA 12/16/25] #bees #nativebees

“Ma’am, yes you’re being very thorough, but those flowers are all dry and empty, the bush filled with fresh ones is right above you. Ma’am?” [Alameda, CA 12-5-25] #bees #bumblebees #nativebees

Ma’am, you can’t just sit there in people’s driveways, it’s not safe, even for royalty. [Alameda, CA 12-2-25] #bees #bumblebees #nativebees

Segue to that Pygmy Blue video - a highly scientific ThumbParison for scale. It's not the greatest composition, but it is quite difficult to creep up your thumb to them. They don't appreciate it, and it's hard to get the focus plane right... [Alameda, CA 11-8-25] #butterflies

Western Pygmy Blue, America’s smallest butterfly and one of the world’s smallest. About the size of a thumbnail. [Alameda, CA 11-8-25] #butterflies

Ma’am, you can’t just wander the sidewalk like that. Most people pay no attention to where they’re stepping. [Foothill carpenter bee, Alameda, CA 11-4-25] #bees #nativebees

Usually one sees female bees shooing away other male or female bees with the traditional leg swipe, so it was notably bemusing to see a male longhorn bee use it on another male. I'm pretty sure this is the only time I've seen that. [Alameda, CA 8-16-25] #bees #nativebees

In moderately Halloween-appropriate content, this Nomada bee that never takes off her wasp costume. Hey, you gotta appreciate their commitment to the bit... [Alameda, CA 7-20-25] #bees #nativebees

Ever see a complete bee grooming routine up close? I’m not saying this Agapostemon subtilior female and I are heroes, but we are here to help. Enjoy this quality motion picture, complete with PG&E construction noises. [Alameda, CA 10-27-25] #bees #nativebees

Here's an uncommonly clear view of Anthidium manicatum (European wool carder bee) mating interaction. You can see how the female positions her wings safely out of the way, and how she's interacting with the male's feathery forelegs. [5-24-25] #bees #nativebees

🎼 Tongue shadow, tongue shadow- 🎶 Watch this little male Zadontomerus carpenter bee perform an elaborate nectar-probing routine in a rock purslane flower. [Alameda, CA 10-21-25] #bees #nativebees

Sure, you can use fill flash to have perfectly shadowless macro photos. But where's the Dialictus Drama? Where's the Theater? Bees prefer it theatrical, I'm pretty sure. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ [Alameda, CA 5-29-25] #bees #nativebees