Melissodes subillatus, f, right, Clevland, OH_2018-06-20-14.30.09 ZS PMax UDR Asteracea is important. Here is Melissodes subillatus, which is fluffy, but basically about the size of a honey bee. It, like so many Melissodes, and so many bees in general, is an Asteraceae specialist. This species does not appear to be too picky and uses a range of fall composites, but a look inside the pollen loads would be interesting for sure. Also often misidentified as other species. ...

Melissodes subillatus, f, right, Clevland, OH_2018-06-20-14.30.09 ZS PMax UDR Asteracea is important. Here is Melissodes subillatus, which is fluffy, but basically about the size of a honey bee. It, like so many Melissodes, and so many bees in general, is an Asteraceae specialist. This species does not appear to be too picky and uses a range of fall composites, but a look inside the pollen loads would be interesting for sure. Also often misidentified as other species. ...