Bee lollipop. Nic find by @sea-kangaroo.
Same bees roosting throughout the night
On Abutilon palmeri
On Barrel Cactus flower
Round and round she goes! Foraging on Calochortus splendens.
Female emerging from nest. About 6-8 Holcopasites ruthae were patrolling this nest aggregation today.
H. ruthae (kleptoparasite) female exiting Calliopsis pugionis (host) nest after host bee exits (see last photo). Third photo shot from opposite side shows H. ruthae waiting/lurking on rock at entrance to nest hole.
Female emerging from her nest hole. Viewed this species nesting in this exact spot at this time last year. Also, 6 to 8 Holcopasites ruthae, the kelptoparasite of this species, were lurking in the vicinity and entering nest-holes today—in fact, this very nest-hole.