
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!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
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.
Key Characters For Genus Identification
- For genus-level ID, examine wing venation (submarginal cells), head shape, facial features, and abdominal hair placement.
- Note pollen-collecting structures location (legs vs. abdomen) to narrow genera.

