This New Bee Species Discovery Has Texas A-Buzz Read More: Texas’ New Bee Species: The Lone Star Gets Another Buzz!

 This New Bee Species Discovery Has Texas A-Buzz   Read More: Texas’ New Bee Species: The Lone Star Gets Another Buzz!

What's all This Buzz About?

The University of Oklahoma recently published a study identifying the newly-discovered species, Andrena androfovea. Basically, it's the same bee that we all know and love but with a very-dark-blue to near-black coloring. Let me show you.

Makes sense?

According to the study, this brand new bug is a part of the mining bee species (Andrenidae) that has been spotted in the wilds of Oklahoma and Texas.

It's already rare enough to discover a new subgenus, but it's SUPER rare when we get a brand new species altogether. Sometimes, new subgenera are created, but that's only due to rearrangement of already-known classifications.

One co-author of the study, James Hung, was able to observe these new bees as they pollinated flowers in and around the Lone Star State.

"I observed this matte-blue-colored bee doing a handstand on the flower, sucking nectar with its tongue while scraping the flower with its hind legs and rubbing the flower with its hairy belly," Hung noted.

Science Lesson! The Value of Bees

Now, we've all made it through the second grade... hopefully. We know that bees help plants grow by distributing pollen, but the inner workings are much deeper than that.

Bees are just one of many pollinators that are hard at work for making our planet grow. The USDA highlights the importance of all animals that play a part in the pollinating process, like butterflies, bats and birds.

There are many plants that cannot reproduce without the assistance of these animals brushing pollen from one leaf or petal to another. So, let's all thank the bees in the world for their service 🙏.

CAUTION! GRAPHIC PHOTOS: These Are The Texas Insects To Be On The Lookout For

Learn about the lethal trio of Africanized Bees, Black Widow, and Brown Recluse in West Texas. Stay informed to stay safe!

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

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Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is a lot like the brown recluse in where it loves yo catch flying pests in its web and store them for a later meal. They love patios, porches and wherever flying insects might gather.

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Black Widow Spider Bite

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Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spiders love to hunt and eat. They prey on mosquitos, flies, and many other common pests.

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Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Photo by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bugwood.org

Finger After Being Bitten By A Brown Recluse

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Africanized Bees

Africanized killer bees were first reported in the southern portion of the Lone Star State in the early 1990s. Today the aggressive bees are all over Texas.

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Texas Bluebonnets, Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Africanized Killer Bees

These are the three deadliest insects in Texas

You Have the Highest Chance of Being Murdered in These Texas Cities

Be extra careful as these 5 Texas Cities have the highest murder risk

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

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6. Corpus Christi

While known for its beaches, the city also faces significant crime challenges, especially in low-income areas​. Violent Crime Rate: 860 per 100,000.

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5. San Antonio

A major metropolitan area with a violent crime rate of 806 per 100,000, San Antonio faces urban challenges contributing to its crime levels.

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4. Beaumont

High unemployment and poverty rates contribute to Beaumont's crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 920 per 100,000.

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3. Houston

With its size and urban sprawl, Houston sees a violent crime rate of 1,026 per 100,000. As the largest city in Texas, it deals with complex crime issues.

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2. Lubbock

Known for its high violent crime rate (988 per 100,000), Lubbock also struggles with property crimes, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state.

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1. Bellmead

The most dangerous city in Texas with a violent crime rate of 1,294 per 100,000 residents. This small city faces significant socio-economic challenges.