A bumble bee (unknown species) was working the flowers of the deer brush and produced three interesting shots.
The anthers and stigmas of the flowers extend well above the rest of the flower, so as this bee inserts its tongue into the nectary, its body cannot help but pick up pollen to be transferred to another flower.
There are mites attached to the thorax of the bee (lower left). However, most mites associated with bumble bees are phoretic: they are not bee parasites, but merely hitch a ride to the hive where they feed on wax, pollen, and small arthropods. In short, they come along to the nest and then help the bumble bee clean house.
I merely like this portrait of the bee with its tongue and wings extended as it is about to lift off.
Beautiful macro shots – it’s quite fascinating to see all the pollen on their bodies! Mites that clean house? I’d like some!
Your posts are so interesting and informative – I’ve learned lots!