Mesoplia aff rufipes, M, back, Puerto Rico, Yauco 2014-09-26-10.00.23 ZS PMax (16417028632)

Here we have the nest parasite of one of Puerto Rico's Centris bees. Its lays its eggs in the nests of the host, kills the hosts egg or young and eats the stores. Taxonomically its not clear what this species is but it appears to be close to (aff. = affiliated with) M. rufipes. Perhaps you, dear reader, will figure that out. Collected by Puerto Rico's Native Bee powerhouse, Sara Prado. Pictures by Brooke Alexander, Sara Guerreri, Maggie Yuan.

15:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC)15:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC){{{{{{0}}}}}}15:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC)15:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC)

All photographs are public domain, feel free to download and use as you wish.

Photography Information: Canon Mark II 5D, Zerene Stacker, Stackshot Sled, 65mm Canon MP-E 1-5X macro lens, Twin Macro Flash in Styrofoam Cooler, F5.0, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 200

The grass so little has to do,

A sphere of simple green,

With only butterflies to brood,

And bees to entertain,

- Emily Dickinson

Contact information:

Sam Droege

sdroege@usgs.gov

301 497 5840

us geological survey files by usgs bee inventory and monitoring laboratory mesoplia rufipes bee macro photography bees ultra high resolution high resolution

31/01/2015

U.S. Geological Survey

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public domain