Anthidium oblongatum, Gynandromorph, Face, PA, Adams County
This is our third gynandromorph on the Flickr site. A gynandromorph is a bee that exhibits characteristics of both sexes. In the other two species (Lasioglossum and Bombus) the split was bilateral..one side male and the other, female. In this Anthidium oblongatum (an introduced species) almost the entire bee is female with the apparent exception of having a seventh abdominal segment and genitalia. Note on the dorsal view the incomplete nature of the typical flange at the end of the segment. This specimen was collected by David Biddinger in his Penn State Apple Orchard Experiment Station Kingdom in South Central Pennsylvania. Picture was taken by Brooke Alexander.
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. Original public domain image from Flickr