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Dianthidium singulare, f, face, Mariposa, CA
Isn't this a boss looking bee? This is Dianthidium singulare. One of the largest Dianthidiums around. Check out the winged plates near the collar of the bee and the shield like tegula that covers the front wing's insertion point into the body. Such a dramatic species. This girl takes resin and pebbles and glues together little cells that it attaches to rock faces....these armored houses then are filled with pollen and nectar and a single egg before sealing up. Captured as part of Claire Kremen's project documenting the bees of Yosemite National Park.
Beauty is truth, truth beauty - that is all
Ye know on earth and all ye need to know
" Ode on a Grecian Urn"
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