Hawaiian Insects

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Hylaeus strenuus Keaau 8976

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Hylaeus strenuus, a recently introduced bee from India. Keaau Valley, Makua-Keaau FR. It is blowing out a drop of wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) nectar to concentrate it before returning to its nest. Erythrina are bird-pollinated and have relatively dilute nectar, meaning it's inefficient for them to carry it without concentrating. No other bees here seem to visit it.