SWEAT BEE

This colorful bee was packing in the pollen on top of a cone flower today, sometimes even doing a headstand into the tall spear-like stamen.  I'd thought I had an Augochlora Sweat Bee because of the bright metallic green, but I've since discovered that they have to be totally metallic (or coppery) to qualify as Augochlora.  Since it has many different parts, this little guy is just an ordinary Sweat Bee.  With its black and white striped thorax, 'dense' yellow hairs on the hind legs, and 'brilliant' metallic green head and abdomen, it has a little bit of everything!  I learn something new everyday because of Blip!