Zoom in!

These 13 species of bees native to Minnesota were photographed by U.S. Geological Survey biologist Sam Droege. In addition to research into native bee survey techniques, Droege is a highly talented macro photographer who captures the exquisite detail of his insect subjects using a flash inside a Styrofoam cooler. This work is part a larger effort by the USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program. As part of that program, the USGS works to develop identification tools and keys for native bee species, including accurate and detailed pictures. Visit the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab on Flickr for more images, information, and a how-to manual for taking similar photographs.