Washington Native Bee Society

If a common name is any indication, these large bees have an unrivaled affinity for thistles. Their scientific name is a bit more puzzling. Melissodes translates to melissa, meaning "bee," and -odes, meaning "resembling"—so essentially "bee-like." The species name rivalis could mean "of the stream" or maybe "dweller of brooks," though I've mostly seen them in dry places. It also might hint at the word "rival." Like many scientific names, there's a mix of poetry and puzzlement.

There are green bees. Tons of them. And they wear it well. So well, that I'd say green is the new black and yellow. So, let's go on a photographic adventure through Washington State's verdant pastures so you can see for yourself, and maybe you'll never see bees the same again.