Are These Native Bees? What Kind?

[taydeko]

I found some insects in my yard visiting some volunteer plants. These pictures were taken in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These insects are very similar in size to honeybees. Honeybees were not interested in this plant. There may be two different species here, based on the antenna coloration and length and the markings on the thorax. I am guessing they could be Cuckoo Bees or perhaps some kind of wasp. Does anyone know what they are?

[Sherillynn]

I'll be interested in finding out what they are but I had to tell you your photos are amazing!

[taydeko]

I'll be interested in finding out what they are but I had to tell you your photos are amazing!

Thanks, Sherillynn! These are the best pictures, of course. I took about 100. Aren't digital cameras great!

Ted

[WillT]

My guess is Pollen Wasp Pseudomasaris

[Daniel Y]

I would say they are hornets. but in a generic use of the word. the markings between the wings tell me they are some sort of hornet but I cannot say which one. I can say they are not the same as the western Hornet that we have here.

I identify them by the dorsal markings and have ot been able to find a good photo just yet but this may be close.
hornet2.jpg

[Daniel Y]

This is the long yellow jacket. it is the closest thing I have been able to find. The patterns on the dorsal of the thorax are very specific to the Hornet as well as the marking on the abdomen. Close is really not good enough but it can sometimes be the case. very close to exact is what you are looking for. The eastern and Southern yellow jacket where also close.
5ZSLPZ0LBZGLVZXLAZWHJHIHBH0LBZEHJHUHCHIHDHHLVHZLEZLL8ZSLBZGL1ZEHRREHBZ4L3H.jpg

[Tazcan]

Look like yellow jackets to me, them boogers like to sting me 5 at a time.

[Tazcan]

PS your photos arevery good, thanks for sharing!

[BSAChris]

Looks like a pollen wasp, as someone else has noted. A link with some pictures & info: http://bugguide.net/node/view/22272
Your photos are great. And the wasps have a unique "smiley face" on them - nifty!

[taydeko]

Thanks for the info! It sure looks like these are pollen wasps from the descriptions and the pictures you have provided.

[WillT]

Do you know what type of plant they are feeding on?

[taydeko]

Do you know what type of plant they are feeding on?

I don't know. I have been told that it might be a scorpion flower, but looking that up on the intenet didn't show the same plant. I am still researching that.

Ted