The book of bees: a life-size guide to bees worldwide

"The recent astonishing increase in public and scientific interest in bees is well-deserved. Bees' contributions as pollinators to the human food supply and to the workings of ecosystems far exceed their numbers. There are over 20,000 bee species, and each is full of surprises. In fact, most bees don't live in colonies, ruled by a queen! The typical bee, if there is one, nests in the ground or in a plant stem and has seven to fifteen offspring that develop and emerge the following year, long after the mother has died. These solitary species also vary tremendously in the flowers they visit, how they collect pollen and nectar, the architecture of their nests, and how they find mates. Furthermore, another 20 percent of all bee species are well-armored parasites of other bees, often with striking colors and an array of attack tactics. In The Book of Bees, readers meet 400 of these species, representing all seven recognized biological families. Life-size photos give a sense of their presence, and accessible descriptions illustrate their distinct behaviors, life histories, and interactions with flowers and humans. Engagingly written by leading bee experts, this comprehensive exploration of social, solitary, and parasitic bees offers fascinating insights into their remarkable lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ecological importance and conservation of these lovable insects"--