Colletes thoracicus,m,face,Shenandoah Co., VA

For whatever reason we haven't taken any very good pictures of this here bee, Colletes thoracicus. This species is one of two that form huge aggregations in loose or sandy soils in the Eastern U.S. Very cool and for some reason lacking any Bee Nest Parasites (Epeolus) that haunt other Colletes. The males swarm over the aggregations creating fear in the American populace of and imminent sting attach of their little darlings (they, of course, are unafraid). No need for fear as simply lying down in the middle of colony will prove. ... it is even more impressive if you take your clothes off. This male is from Shenandoah National Park, collected by Jessica Rykken and photoed by Greta Forbes. 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. USGSBIML Photoshopping Technique: Note that we now have added using the burn tool at 50% opacity set to shadows to clean up the halos that bleed into the black background from "hot" color sections of the picture.