WHAT A FACE!

This bumblebee's face was truly a surprise to me - quite different than I would have guessed. He was just resting on a hydrangea leaf, and stayed still quite a while (in bee terms) for a fine opportunity to photograph him. First I started with a zoom lens and gradually inched forward, thinking he'd fly away if I got too close. Once I figured I had plenty of shots, I decided to experiment with a chance on a 'close up' setting. Sure enough, he was still for a few shots - I had the camera within about 8 inches in front of him before he flew away. I had well over 50 shots from various distances and angles. The views from the top showed the usual black and gold fuzzy body.

I believe the longer, straight thing coming out of his 'beard' is his proboscis. An online description says the bumblebee tongue (proboscis) comes from a long hairy structure that extends from a sheath-like modified maxilla. The primary action of this proboscis is repeated dipping into liquid, when nectar is drawn into the proboscis by capillary action. When at rest, the proboscis is kept folded under the head.

Out of all my shots, only one appeared like his 'mouth' was closed. (Check it out on Flickr.) If a proboscis, etc. should be folded under the head while the bee is at rest, then I'm curious why this guy had his 'mouth' hanging open for such a long rest on the leaf. I wonder if he was ill or exhausted, or just why he'd remain at rest so long.