A flying jewel
I spent some time today appreciating the peridot sweat bees (Augochlorella pomoniella) and other pollinators moving between plants blooming in our garden. There are over 20,000 different species of known bees in the world. They’re all of intrinsic value and important to humanity’s survival as well.
Augochlorella pomoniella working Leptosyne maritima
They were interested in Echinocereus triglochidiatus as well. Claretcup cactus (just one of its many common names) is a favorite of mine. The blossoms look like embers when one catches them backlit.