Exploring Nature, One Observation at a Time

Cuckoo bees are fascinating kleptoparasitic bees that rely on the nests of other specialist bees to reproduce. Unlike most bees, they do not collect pollen to provision their own nests. Instead, females lay eggs in

Mason bees are gentle, solitary native bees best known for their incredible pollination efficiency and their use of mud to build nest chambers. Active primarily in spring, these bees are among the most effective pollinators

Cellophane bees are solitary, ground-nesting native bees known for lining their underground nest chambers with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion. Sometimes called plasterer bees or polyester bees, these quiet pollinators are widespread across North America and

Oil-collecting bees are fascinating specialists that collect floral oils instead of, or in addition to, pollen and nectar. In North America, these bees belong to the genus Macropis, so “oil-collecting bees” typically refers to Macropis

Longhorn bees are fascinating members of the Apidae family, known for their long antennae and specialized relationships with certain plants. Some longhorn bees, such as squash bees (Peponapis), specialize in pollinating cucurbits like squash, pumpkin,

Leafcutter bees are solitary, cavity-nesting native bees best known for the neat, circular cuts they leave on leaves. While those half-moon shapes can surprise gardeners, they are actually a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Active

Sweat bees are among the most common native bees in North America. Ranging from dull brown to brilliant metallic green, these small but important pollinators can be found in gardens, meadows, and even backyards throughout

If you’ve ever noticed dozens of small holes appearing in your lawn in early spring, you may have encountered mining bees. These solitary, ground-nesting native bees are among the first pollinators to emerge in Ohio

Native bees include many species that specialize on specific plants. These specialist bees play an important role in pollinating native flowers and garden plants across Ohio. If you’ve ever heard the term specialist bees and