Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

Native Bee Diversity w/ Krystle Hickman

7 snips
Nov 11, 2025
Krystle Hickman, a biologist and native bee researcher from Los Angeles, dives into the fascinating world of native bees. She discusses the incredible diversity found in California deserts, how bees and flowers co-evolve, and practical tips for identifying different bee species. Krystle highlights the importance of native plants in agriculture, the competition between honeybees and natives, and offers insights into community science. Plus, she shares her macro photography techniques for capturing these essential pollinators in action!
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INSIGHT

Deserts Harbor Exceptional Bee Diversity

  • California deserts host extremely high native bee diversity tied to unique plant diversity.
  • Many desert bees are specialists that only live where their host plants occur.
INSIGHT

Bees Evolve To Match Flower Needs

  • Many bees evolved specific morphologies and behaviors to match particular flowers.
  • Some flowers mimic female bees or offer oils so only matching bee species can pollinate them.
ADVICE

Start IDs With Antennae And Wing Venation

  • Use antenna length, wing count and wing venation to separate flies, wasps and bees.
  • Look for pollen-collecting structures and behavior to confirm a bee.
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