Favoritos de bobmcd

Observed in a large nesting area of Habropoda miserabilis. This nearby H. miserabilis nest could have been where this Melecta was right before I saw it fly and land here long enough for a few photos.

Collected with permission for a BC Parks research initiative

Front of clypeus with 3 teeth. According to some online keys this seems quite informative. If anyone knows which photos I should upload let me know!

This Northern Amber Bumblebee seems to be eating this small unknown bronze beetle. I stand corrected. Apparently, the beetle, likely a beetle is hitching a ride to the bumblebee nest. this behaviour is called phoresis..The best of a series of 4 photos that seem to show that behaviour. Or is the beetle biting the bumblebee? Hidden Valley, Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada. 28 July 2022

This Northern Amber Bumblebee has a small bronze beetle, likely a fungus beetle (Antherophagus species, perhaps ochraceus) traveling on its mouthparts. The best of a series of 4 photos that seem to show that behaviour. Hidden Valley, Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada. 28 July 2022
'A. ochraceus, along with some other members of Cryptophagidae, engage in phoresy. The beetles are transported by attaching to the legs, mouthparts, or antennae of bumblebees. It remains attached by clamping down with its mandibles.[6] It does not release until the bee returns to the nest. A. ochraceus adults lay eggs in bumblebee nests, where the eggs develop into larvae. In the larval stage, the beetles remain in the nest and eat organic matter and detritus. Specifically, they are presumed to consume honey, bee feces, and comb debris.[6][7]'

Link to inaturalist phoresis page:
inaturalist.ca/observation_fields/11626
I have never observed this behavior. I didn't notice the beetle on the photos until now.

Antherophagus as tentative beetle genus

Link to phoresis page https://inaturalist.ca/observation_fields/11626

Edited: Thiohalocapsa halophila
(a member of Purple Sulfur Bacteria Order Chromatiales), magenta bacteria, I initially suggested Lamprocystis purpurea, alkali lake, Takhini alkali salt flats, YK, July 7/19. Txs @jozien for visit to this part of the Takhini alkali flats.