The only portable full-color photographic guide to the most commonly seen bees east of the Mississippi River Bees play a vitally important role in the pollination of native plants and agricultural crops around the globe. Common Bees of Eastern North America is the first species-level photographic field guide to the most commonly seen bees in the eastern United States and Canada. Identifying bees to species is challenging even for taxonomists. This book walks you through the process of bee identification using breathtaking high-resolution color photos that highlight the unique characteristics of each species, making identification easier. Full of essential facts about the natural history of these magnificent creatures, this is the must-have field guide for naturalists and backyard gardeners alike. Covers 125 of the most commonly seen species in the eastern United States and Canada Features 500 stunning close-up photos in full color Shows multiple images for each species, with arrows highlighting key identifying marks Provides silhouette images depicting the actual size of each species Describes key identification features, size, phenology, floral preference, nesting, and related species Includes a range map for every species Contains a taxonomic key to the bee genera of the eastern United States and Canada

A portable, full-color photographic guide to the most commonly seen bees in the western United States and Canada Bees play a vitally important role in the pollination of native plants and agricultural crops around the globe. These stunningly beautiful insects come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. There are more than 3,000 species in western North America, and identifying them is a challenging task even for taxonomists. Common Bees of Western North America is the first species-level photographic field guide to the most commonly seen bees in the western United States and Canada, focusing on those that are found in urban environments, specialize on unique plants, or are especially distinctive in appearance. This book walks you through the process of bee identification using breathtaking high-resolution color photos that highlight the key characteristics of each species, making identification easier. Full of essential facts about the natural history of these magnificent creatures, this is a must-have field guide for naturalists and backyard gardeners alike. Covers more than 200 species Features more than 1,100 stunning close-up color photos Shows multiple images of each species, with arrows indicating key features Includes a range map for every species Provides silhouette images depicting the actual size of each species Describes key identification features, size, phenology, floral preference, nesting, and related species Contains a taxonomic key to the bee genera of the region

An authoritative, marvelously illustrated field guide to the velvet ants of North America Velvet Ants of North America is a beautiful photographic guide to the species of the wasp family Mutillidae found in the United States and Canada. Featuring hundreds of full-color photos, it covers nearly 460 species—representing more than 9 percent of all velvet ant species, which number in the thousands worldwide—providing comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of this spectacular group of insects. This one-of-a-kind guide serves as an invaluable reference for naturalists, scientific researchers, museum specialists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Covers nearly 460 species found in North America and throughout the world Features stunning high-resolution photos of each species Detailed species accounts and keys allow for easy and rewarding identification Sheds invaluable light on taxa from Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, and beyond Provides silhouette images depicting the actual size ranges of species Includes distribution maps of nearly all diurnal species in the United States and Canada

The Bees in Your Backyard provides an engaging introduction to the roughly 4,000 different bee species found in the United States and Canada, dispelling common myths about bees while offering essential tips for telling them apart in the field. The book features more than 900 stunning color photos of the bees living all around us--in our gardens and parks, along nature trails, and in the wild spaces between. It describes their natural history, including where they live, how they gather food, their role as pollinators, and even how to attract them to your own backyard. Ideal for amateur naturalists and experts alike, it gives detailed accounts of every bee family and genus in North America, describing key identification features, distributions, diets, nesting habits, and more. * Provides the most comprehensive and accessible guide to all bees in the United States and Canada* Features more than 900 full-color photos* Offers helpful identification tips and pointers for studying bees* Includes a full chapter on how to attract bees to your backyard