Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Megachile on Asclepias

MegachileLeaf-cutter bee on Butterfly Weed.

You can’t tell this when they’re in the air, or, frankly, very easily when they’re still, but bees have four wings (flies have two). In this photo, however, you can just see the smaller hindwing underneath the forewing on the right side here.

6 responses to “Megachile on Asclepias”

  1. michela caudill

    I always learn something from your blog. In all my years of looking at bees I did not realize that they had four wings. Thank you so very much. Your blog is a treasure and long may it continue. It is a voice of humanity for the creatures of the earth

    1. Thank you! I am humbled by your praise.

      1. MICHELA CAUDILL

        Do not be humbled. Just continue your fine blog. It is reaching many people. Please see attached. I thought you might be amused to see what I found in my garden where there are no pesticides used. Therefore it is a haven for all manner of insects and wild creatures.

        Michela Caudill

        ________________________________

      2. I’m so glad you’re not using pesticides! Unfortunately, I don’t images can be attached here; nothing came through.

      3. michela caudill

        I would love to forward you a few images but it does not seem possible. Please advise. Many thanks.

        Michela Caudill

      4. Michele, you can e-mail me at matthewwills at sign earthlink dot net.

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