Author: Karin Wilson
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The Tiny Spring Specialist: Sweet Beauty Mining Bee
____________________________________________________________________ Field Note: Date & Time: April 4, 2026, afternoon “Pollinators of the forest’s ephemeral flowers” Observation Caught a glimpse of this tiny mining bee on a bare spot in a sunny field, nestled inside a Spring Beauty flower. Both species are among the earliest to emerge in early spring. ____________________________________________________________________ Life Cycle and Habitat…
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Eastern Carpenter Bee
____________________________________________________________________ Field Notes: Observation Found this Eastern Carpenter Bee, buzzing around a blooming Redbud tree. Male carpenter bees fly towards anticipated predators to protect their territory. Fortunately, male carpenter bees lack stingers, unlike their female counterparts. Female carpenter bees tend to be docile and sting only when provoked. ____________________________________________________________________ Life Cycle and Habitat Eastern Carpenter…
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The Common Blue Violet
An early spring lifeline for pollinators and butterfly larvae Field Notes: Observation In a rolling meadow, Common Blue Violets emerged in clusters nestled among new grasses. Tiny yellow sulphur and orange Fritillary butterflies darted between dandelions and Sweet Beauties. In stark contrast, the nearby oak grove remained barren, with not a single leaf visible, allowing…
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Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Field Notes: Observation Found a Mourning Cloak puddling in a damp, rocky area in a deciduous forest. This butterfly is one of the first to emerge in early spring and often appears before flowers have bloomed. Since they emerge early, they are dependent on tree sap more than flower nectar. Early-Emerging Companions The Mourning Cloak…