Fall is right around the corner and even though it’s still very hot outside, I have been noticing a few signs. One of the earliest ones, was when I found several common longhorn bees (Melissodes communis) feeding on the tickseeds. They aren’t seen that often during the summer, but they begin to spend more time out of their nests as fall approaches. They’re a type of solitary bee that digs its nests down into the ground. Even though they are pretty common fall bees not a lot is known about their reproductive biology.

Longhorn bees can be found throughout much of the United States and Canada and south into northern Mexico. The females, like the ones in these photos, have normal looking, short antennas while males have the long antennas which gives them their name. In some cases, the antennas can be longer than the body itself. In Florida they are important fall pollinators for mustard, squash, blueberries, and crepe myrtles as well as a myriad of fall wildflowers. It’s believed that they can have a significant influence on next year’s wildflower make up.

The day I found these bees, I had stopped to take some pictures of the flowers themselves and found them full of pollinators including several types of bees, wasps, and even one of my favorite moths, the gorgeous spragueia moth. These longhorn bees were definitely one of the most common species that I saw that afternoon, so I have to assume that fall is indeed on its way. I don’t know about all of you, but I’m ready!