A Halictus ligatus sweat bee covered in Rudbeckia pollen, which the bee gathers to feed to her larvae.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
ALasioglossum bee returns to her soil nest laden with pollen.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
The various colors of pollen in a honey bee nest indicate different source plant species.
A pair of worker bees processing pollen. The various colors in the cells indicate pollen from different plant species.
Apis mellifera - worker honey bee covered in dandelion pollen.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Apis mellifera - worker honey bee covered in dandelion pollen.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Pollen, collected from the legs of foraging bees as they return to the hive, is sold as a natural high-protein dietary supplement.
Prenolepis imparis gathering nectar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis gathering nectar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis gathering nectar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis gathering nectar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis gathering nectar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013