Identificaciones de teamfortifier

At least a thousand plants, throughout the part of the ROW between the main trail and the river, and in the adjacent clearing. Probably much more in the rest of the ROW but I did not walk that direction.

One of four specimens (2F, 2M) collected in sweeps of deerberry in 2023. After following the recent discussion about best ways to distinguish eickworti from americana, I've gone back and re-examined these a few different times using all of the various features mentioned here and in the literature. I agree that malar space seems to be a consistent character, and all of our specimens have a relatively long malar space compared to what americana should have. Pitting density on scutum and T2 was generally about 1-1.5 pit diameters. I checked for the narrow propodeal carina - there is the faintest of lines separating the triangle from the rest of the propodeum. It's not nearly strong enough that I'd ever call it a carina but is that the character we were looking at there? If so I don't think it's a reliable or easily visible one, as here it was only noticeable from certain angles.
The only inconsistency I have found among specimens from 2023 and 2024 is the shape of the raised internal area of the pygidial triangle. The DiscoverLife key says that eickworti should have a median raised line apically and a vague knob-like elevation basally, whereas americana has more of a uniform triangle. Our 2023 specimens have a state closer to the former, but those in 2024 are nearer the latter (see other post), and many seemed intermediate or vague. See: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222162127
Let me know what you think - I have in-situ photos coming as well.

Same population as other confirmed M. eickworti individuals:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222162127
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222249859
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222264736

Several individuals caught in-hand and examined, all consistent with eickworti so we are confident all of the individuals here seen on deerberry are eickworti. Relatively long malar space visible on this individual.

Same population as other confirmed M. eickworti individuals:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222162127
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222249859
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222264736

Several individuals caught in-hand and examined, all consistent with eickworti so we are confident all of the individuals here seen on deerberry are eickworti.

Same population as other confirmed M. eickworti individuals:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222162127
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222249859
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222264736

Several individuals caught in-hand and examined, all consistent with eickworti so we are confident all of the individuals here seen on deerberry are eickworti.

Many individuals on deerberry; from same population as previous specimens were taken:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/222162127
Several individuals captured in-hand and photographed to compare features of pitting, malar space, etc, and all were consistent so we are confident that these are all Melitta eickworti. There was no blueberry or maleberry flowering at this time either.
Females could not effectively sting (similar to Andrena) so this made in-hand examination much easier.
Relatively long malar space is visible on this individual. More photos of different individuals coming.

Collected via pan trap in expected habitat, Macropis ciliata present as well. First photo was taken when specimen was fresh, the eyes faded in color afterwards. ID confirmed from specimen by Sam Droege.

Ten specimens collected off of yellow hawkweed, Pilosella caespitosa. A couple hundred Krigia virginica in the vicinity but no bees seen on it. Live photos coming.
Smallish Andrena, with very short foveae, a very narrow 2nd submarginal cell, propodeal corbicula with long simple hairs only in the upper third, tibial scopa highly branched at apical ends of shafts.
Interestingly, there was a single specimen that was missing the 2nd submarginal cell entirely in both wings.