Diligently working some small-flowered asters in the very hot sun were a couple of European Woolcarder Bees (Anthidium manicatum). Needless to say, these are non-natives originating in Europe but they have pretty well naturalized here and are efficient pollinators, though it is suggested that their purported aggressiveness reduces their usefulness as an introduced pollinator of agricultural crops … which is strange as they don’t have a sting. They are a solitary species and quite territorial.
The name “Carder Bee” comes from the fact that unlike other species of the family Megachilidae (nicknamed “leaf-cutters”), they do not shred the leaves or the petals of the flowers for upholstering their own nest. Instead, they tear up the hair found on the plants, pile it up in a sort of balls of “wool” which they carry under their own body and use it for lining the nest.
Also enjoyed was a confrontation between American Robns and a couple of Cedar Waxwings over ownership of a cherry tree … sorry no pictures, but it was loud! Here is one of the birds cooling off afterwards.
And a very nice flower - a Philadelphus. Not at all wild, but I enjoyed it.
I wonder what Wool Carder Bees do to dissuade others from entering their territory?
I've never actually seen a Wool Carder Bee, but Common Carders are common around Edinburgh, though I've never seen them carding anything.