C. M. Smith Rich, Owner/Steward

El Mesteño Ranch ®

Spring and Summer 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas, have been nothing less than unprecedented and remarkable with regard to our rare, Texas native bee, the Mesoxaea texana (Mt).    Several noteworthy events have transpired over the 13.571-week emergence cycle I have recorded regarding the Mt, including the return of “El Glorioso” and his bride to the South Texas Sand Sheet. The events are as follows:

The longest emergence cycle—to date—documented for Mesoxaea texana!

First observed and documented on April 21st, 2026, all the way through July 24th, 2026, the Mt’s current, documented 95-day emergence cycle is record-breaking and unprecedented in terms of the length of cycles I have documented and recorded for them in my phenology journal over the past several years. 

This 13.571-week emergence blows away all Mesoxaea texana emergence cycles I have documented to date.

Female Mesxoaea texana found already expired on July 13, 2026.

An expired female Mesoxaea texana was found on the red, sandy soil of El Mesteño Ranch ® on July 13, 2026, as native bee walking surveys were being conducted.    

Although encountering this expired female was a sad moment for me, it did afford me the opportunity to take a few micrographs of her for us to review, enjoy, and learn from. 

Male Mesoxaea texana expired on July 13, 2026, due to predation.

Regrettably, I must additionally report that a Lynx spider, a stealthy ambush hunter, unalived a male Mesoxaea texana as it was foraging on Waltheria indica. 

This is the 2^nd documented occurrence of this predator-prey relationship.  The upside:  It was not a female Mesoxaea texana. 

Side by side comparison of an expired male and female Mesoxaea texana:

  Both of these bees were found on the same day: July 13, 2026.

Based on data collected, I am attempting to dial down on a time frame for the life cycle of “El Guapo.”

A single, deceased male Mesoxaea texana was found on June 6, 2026.

If I take a very generalized approach to trying to determine the length of time for a Mesoxaea texana life cycle on the South Texas Sand Sheet based on this expired male–using April 21, 2026, as the observed, documented, and recorded starting point for its most recent emergence cycle—here is the number I extrapolated for this occurrence: 

April 21, 2026, to June 6, 2026 = 47 days / 7 days in a week = potentially a 6.71-week life cycle for this specific, expired male found on June 6, 2026.

Could there be multiple generations of Mesoxaea texana flying out over the South Texas Sand Sheet at the same time?

The expired female found on July 13, 2026, appeared to have died of natural causes.  When I saw her that day, my first thought was, “A lot of time has passed since these bees were first observed on April 21, 2026, to now.  Could this be a second-generation female out for this emergence cycle?” 

The expired male also found on July 13, 2026, was predated by a Lynx spider.

I applied some basic math to my question as follows:

As noted previously, using April 21, 2026, as the observed, documented, and recorded starting point of the Mesoxaea texana’s most recent appearance on the South Texas Sand Sheet: April 21, 2026 – July 13, 2026, is 84 days / 7 days in a week = potentially a 12-week life cycle for the expired male and female Mesoxaea texana bees found on July 13, 2026.

12-week emergence/life cycle vs. 6-week emergence/life cycle

The 12-week life cycle I extrapolated from known data points for the expired female and male Mesoxaea texana found on July 13, 2026, would be double the 6.71 life cycle number I extrapolated for the deceased male Mesoxaea texana that was found on June 6, 2026. 

How did these two bees live potentially twice as long as the expired male found on June 6, 2026?

Did the bees found on July 13, 2026, really live twice as long as the bee found on June 6, 2026, or is this a key data point in the detailed documentation in my phenology journal that suggests that the 6.71 week average extrapolated for the deceased male found June 6, 2026, is a fairly accurate length of life cycle for the Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet?

• I have read and studied a journal article by Jerome G. Rozen, entitled, “Nesting Biologies and Mature Larvae of Oxaeine Bees (Apoidea:  Andrenidae).”  Source:  American Museum Novitates, 2018(3893): 1 – 31. Published by:  American Museum of Natural History. [Accessed online on October 7, 2024.]

• This article suggests that there is a possibility that “Oxaea and Protoxaea sometimes may have multigenerational nests, occupied by subsequent generations…”    [page 13]

• Consequently, are we getting a glimpse into the fact that these bees might possibly have had a couple of generations flying out on the South Texas Sand Sheet over the course of the 95-day emergence cycle that was documented from April 21, 2026, through July 24, 2026, which averaged 13.571 weeks?

More data is needed to fully explore—and potentially answer—my initial question regarding how long the life cycle of a Mesoxaea texana actually is.

Mesoxaea texana behaviors observed/documented from 2021 – 2026:

• Territorial Aggression
  • Combat Behaviors Observed:
    • Head-butting aka “Booping”
    • Dive-Bombing / Shoving
    • Grappling / Wrestling, aka “Bee-Nado”
• Territorial Patrol
  • Hovering
  • Zooming
  • Challenging
• Foraging
• Grooming
• Copulation

Observed, documented associated taxa for the Mesoxaea texana from 2021 –   2026:

• Waltheria indica / Hierba Del Soldado
• Eysenhardtia texana / Texas Kidneywood
• Aloysia gratissima / White Brush / Common Bee Brush
• Citharexylum berlandieri / Berlandier’s Fiddlewood
• Cynanchum barbigerum / Thicket Threadvine / Aphid Vine
• Funastrum cynanchoides / Climbing Milkweed
• Salvia ballotiflora / Shrubby Blue Sage
• Chloroleucon ebano / Texas Ebony
• Caesalpinia mexicana / Mexican Caesalpinia
• Clematis drummondii / Old Man’s Beard / Barbas De Chivato
• Lippia graveolens / Mexian Oregano / Redbrush Lippia
• Florestina tripteris / Three Lobed Florestina

The “Primos” are back!

“El Glorioso” and his bride—“El Guapo’s” cousins— returned to the South Texas Sand Sheet in 2026! They were observed, documented, and recording from May 20, 2026, through July 13, 2026. This brings the Protoxaea gloriosa’s documented and recorded emergence cycle for 2026 to approximately 55 days. This also a record-breaking, documented recorded emergence/life cycle for this rare bee at El Mesteño Ranch® located in Puerto Rico, Texas, in 2026!

Net-new location for “El Guapo” & “El Glorioso”:  Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch, located in Starr County, Texas!

Both Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found atDos Venadas in Starr County, Texas, in June 2026!

As always, thank you for time and visit to the website!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!” appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

C. M. Smith Rich, Owner/Steward

El Mesteño Ranch ®

Thank you for stopping by!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana” appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

C. M. Smith Rich, Owner/Steward

El Mesteño Ranch ®

Dr. Steve Bentsen, Owner/Steward of Dos Venadas Ranch, graciously granted Cat Traylor, of CEEYAL Ranch in San Isidro, Texas, and I permission to come out to his place and hunt for Mesoxaea texana (Mt) and Protoxaea gloriosa (Prtg) back in early June 2026.  Dr. Bentsen graciously showed Cat and I around several hundred acres of pristine, immaculate, endangered, Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat as we set about hunting for Mt and Prtg.

My hopes were high as we tenaciously tracked through numerous senderos (trails) looking for the preferred, associated plant taxa—Salvia ballotiflora (Sb) and Waltheria indica (Wi)—that my favorite, fuzzy bees have shown a preference for.  Simultaneously, we noted soil compositions underneath our feet as we concurrently searched for areas of red, sandy soil with open, bare spots that might accommodate the elusive Mt nest I have been faithfully searching for since 2021.

Just as I was about to give up all hope after several hours of hard tracking looking for sign, Dr. Bentsen wheeled us into a gorgeous cache of Sb surrounding a lovely, large pond he had installed for the benefit of all wildlife. Lo and behold, all of this area was firmly grounded and rooted in that beautiful red, sandy soil we had also been looking for.  In that moment, my heart fluttered a bit.  My palms got sweaty.  This would probably be our last stop of the day. The bee hunt was back on!

We spread out several yards from each other, and then carefully walked the edges of the brushy habitat in a circular pattern looking for these rare bees.  We paid particular attention to any Sb that we came across.  I continued skimming and scanning the skies for signs of large, fuzzy bees with transparent wings with black tips flying fast, hovering, or exhibiting challenging behaviors towards any of us. 

Suddenly, and almost as if on cue, Cat, aka “Eagle Eye,” hollers out, “Camille! I think this is ‘El Guapo!’” Dr. Bentsen and I rush over to get a visual on the bee.  IT IS a Mesoxaea texana!  After only approximately five minutes of searching this particular site, the star of the show had made their arrival!  YAY!!!!!!  MISSION ACCOMMPLISHED!

Maintaining a watchful eye as I continue the bee patrol to track and record video of the numerous Mt’s that were showing up, pretty soon a large, fuzzy bee that looked slightly different than Mt comes into my field of view.  For a minute, my brain was trying to process the new bee foraging on Sb before me, when it dawned on me that I was laying eyes on the first Prtg we had seen of the day!  I hollered, “El Glorioso!” “El Glorioso!”  In short order, Dr. Bentsen quickly moved into position for photo documentation of the bee. And just like that, more outstanding, rare bee, glamour shots on the books for Dos Venadas for this banner day!

In retrospect, as our ranch visit with Dr. Bentsen came to a close that day, my heart was so happy and full.  I was thrilled to be able to help a neighbor find a very special bee on the property he had nurtured, cared for, and protected for so many years. The word that came to my mind as we said our goodbyes was “Success.”  Success for Dr. Steve Bentsen.  Success for Dos Venadas.  Success for “El Guapo.”  Success for “El Glorioso.”  Success for Cat.  Success for me.

Together, Dr. Bentsen, Cat, and I found another perfectly protected, pristine, incredible habitat that these two rare “Primos” can live on, thrive on, and multiply on in perpetuity—Dos Venadas Ranch.  It can’t get much better than this!  What a storybook ending to a storybook day—one that I can assure you I will never forget.

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!” appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

The Mesoxaea texana were out for two observed, documented emergence cycles in 2025 on the South Texas Sand Sheet:

• First Cycle: May 17, 2025 – June 20, 2025
• Second Cycle: September 6, 2025 – October 1, 2025

Observed, documented associated taxa for our Mesoxaea texana from 2021 – 2026:

• Waltheria indica / Hierba Del Soldado
• Salvia ballotiflora / Shrubby Blue Sage
• Eysenhardtia texana / Texas Kidneywood
• Aloysia gratissima / White Brush / Common Bee Brush
• Citharexylum berlandieri / Berlandier’s Fiddlewood
• Cynanchum barbigerum / Thicket Threadvine / Aphid Vine
• Funastrum cynanchoides / Climbing Milkweed
• Chloroleucon ebano / Texas Ebony
• Caesalpinia mexicana / Mexican Ceasalpinia
• Clematis drummondii / Old Man’s Beard / Barbas De Chivato
• Lippia graveolens / Mexian Oregano / Redbrush Lippia
• Florestina tripteris / Three Lobed Florestina

Mesoxaea texana behaviors observed/documented from 2021 – 2026:

• Territorial Patrol
  • Hovering
  • Challenging
  • Zooming
• Territorial Aggression
  • Combat Behaviors Observed:
    • Head-butting aka “Booping”
    • Dive-Bombing / Shoving
    • Grappling / Wresting, aka “Bee-Nado”
• Foraging
• Grooming
• Copulation

Female Mesoxaea texana appears to be grooming on this gusty day:

One of our male Mesoxaea texana fell prey to a stealthy Lynx spider:

A male Mesoxaea texana, aka our “El Guapo,” under a microscope:

Micrographs of our male Mesoxaea texana:

“El Guapo”

Stay tuned for preliminary 2026 data for the Mesoxaea texana‘s emergence cycle that was observed and documented as of April 21, 2026–and which is still currently on-going as of July 7, 2026!!!!

Thank you for your visit!!!!

P.S. I am still searching for a Mesoxaea texana nest site!!!!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

• August 2026
• July 2026
• May 2026
• May 2025
• October 2024
• September 2024
• August 2024
• May 2024
• March 2024
• December 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• June 2023
• May 2023
• November 2022
• November 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• September 2020
• June 2020
• May 2020
• March 2020
• February 2020
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• June 2019
• May 2019
• April 2019
• March 2019
• February 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018

The post 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas! appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

“El Glorioso” is back!

Many aerial displays on May 20, 2026!

On May 20, 2026, as I was out on a walking survey looking for our “El Guapo,” our Mesoxaea texana, I saw another pair of familiar, large, gorgeous, green eyes buzzing around the Texas Kidneywood. It has been a little over a year—May 17, 2025—since I last saw “El Glorioso.”

Let’s compare and contrast “El Glorioso” on the left and “El Guapo” on the right:

I am hoping to see the female Protoxaea gloriosa on future visits!

Thank you for your visit, and thank you for your time!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet! appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

September 17, 2025—my first sighting.

Nicknames: “Fernando” &”Hang Glider.”

The first time I saw this creature was back on September, 17, 2025, late in the morning. It stood out as a bright pop of color on a verdant green, blooming Roemer’s Acacia – Senegalia roemeriana.

As I approached this boldly-colored, orange and black beetle to come in for a closer look, it lept off the native tree it was poised on and helicoptered itself up, up, and on out of my way—just like an action figure in a movie or cartoon. I was starstruck!

Its unique wing spread and flight pattern as it flew away from me that day left quite an impression on my mind and in my imagination. I wanted the chance to see it again. I wanted the chance to see that impressive liftoff again.

Consequently, I set out to try and record its “liftoff” for us to experience and enjoy.

Fast forward to May 20, 2026.

As a friend and I made our way about the endangered Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat looking for native bees on a walking survey, she saw something and called out for me to look.

I spun around and, yet again, that bright pop of color against the greens and greys stood out against the landscape.

Could it be? After all this time of looking, watching and waiting? Had “Hang Glider” returned?

“Hang Glider is back!”

I am happy be able to present “Hang Glider” taking flight for your review and enjoyment:

Up, up, and away…

Thank you for visiting the website! Thank you for your time!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post Lycus fernandezi – a species of net-winged beetle on the South Texas Sand Sheet. appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

In December of 2020, I read an article by W. F. Strong in the Magic Valley EC Members’ magazine, TexasCoopPower, entitled “He Gave Us the Stars.”  This article told the story of a man—Mr. William Johnson McDonald—whose extraordinary vision was the impetus behind the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory located on Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. 

After I read this article, I was enraptured, enthralled, and invigorated at the idea of visiting this spectacular place.  At that very moment, with stars in my eyes, I added visiting the McDonald Observatory to a most prominent position on my vision board.  Right next to it, I enthusiastically penciled in staying at the Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State Park to my vision board, as well.  (Two bucket list items for me!)

Fast forward, a little more than six years later after reading W. F. Strong’s article, to January 2026.  My sister and I made our first trip to Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis, Texas, Davis Mountains State Park, the Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park, and the McDonald Observatory on Mount Locke.  Our main objective on what we considered a “scouting trip,” was to attend a two-day astrophotography class at the McDonald Observatory and take in as much of the surrounding sights as possible. 

Our first night at the Indian Lodge, skies were clear.  We staked out some vantage points in the parking lot and seized the opportunity to start snapping portraits of the gorgeous night sky deep in the heart of West Texas.  The next day—day 2 of our scouting trip—we were on track to begin our first day of astrophotography class in the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at the McDonald Observatory.  

A winter storm was nipping at our heels…

Shortly upon our arrival, though, we found ourselves facing the high probability that our trip would be cut short due to an approaching winter storm.  Consequently, we kept moving at a pretty good clip to try and take in as many of the sights as we could before we had to decide whether to stay for the second to the last day of our trip (and day 2 of our astrophotography class) or leave a day and a half early and get home safely well ahead of the storm.   

Despite our pioneering spirit, tenacity, strong will, and desire to stay, we opted to leave West Texas a day and a half early in order to, ultimately, give me enough time to get out of the San Antonio area before the winter storm set in so I could head back to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). In retrospect, leaving the Davis Mountains a day early did afford me just enough time to get back in the RGV and winterize things out at El Mesteño Ranch and my home before the freezing temperatures set in. It was a mad dash for sure.  Whew!!!

As I reflect on this trip, I give my sister the majority of the credit for helping me with astrophotography.  With her expertise, guidance, and experience, I was able to get some great photos of the Milky Way in the parking lot at Indian Lodge and of the night skies over the McDonald Observatory.  Naturally, when I got back home in the RGV, I had to head out to El Mesteño Ranch on the South Texas Sand Sheet—just a few days after our full moon on February 1, 2026—to try and capture some of the incredible night skies deep in the heart of the South Texas Sand Sheet.

Sunset ushering in the night sky on the South Texas Sand Sheet…

Night Skies over the South Texas Sand Sheet

The Milky Way…

Mercury just above the horizon…

Orion

Moonlight on a tin roof…

Mesquite-filtered moonlight…

Thank you for your time!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post Night Skies Deep in the Heart of West Texas & the South Texas Sand Sheet appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

As of approximately April 21, 2026, the Mesoxaea texana are back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

Net-new associated taxa: Berlandier’s Fiddlewood ~ Citharexylum berlandieri

The Mesoxaea texana have returned to the South Texas Sand Sheet several weeks earlier than I had anticipated—April 21, 2026—late in the afternoon, to be exact.   There were approximately 7 to 10 individuals buzzing around two Berlandier’s Fiddlewoods that were exploding with blooms thanks to my generous, weekly waterings.

[Puerto Rico, Texas, has been in drought since December 2, 2025.]

The rare bees were spotted initially, on this day, at approximately 2:54 p.m., nectaring and collecting pollen from the two Berlandier’s Fiddlewoods I planted a few years back.  The rare bees continued to hang out and remain on the Fiddlewoods the rest of the day—even right up until dusk was giving way to the first few minutes of darkness falling over the South Texas Sand Sheet, which was approximately 7:58 p.m.

Thankfully, I was able to get a picture of “El Guapo,” a handsome, male Mesoxaea texana, sleeping in the curved, green leaves as a gentle Southeasterly breezed rocked him to sleep.  This is a sight I may never get to see again, and I do feel blessed to have had this opportunity to photograph it for us.

Slide show for your review and enjoyment:

Thank you for your time!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

The post “El Guapo,” our rare Mesoxaea texana, catching some Z’s on the South Texas Sand Sheet! appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

by C. M. Rich, Texas Master Naturalist

Dear Fellow Nature Enthusiast,

As I was making the rounds on my little place out in the South Texas Sand Sheet on Saturday, May 17, 2025, scouting for bees, birds, butterflies, and blooms, I was ecstatic to see and record a male Mesoxaea texana (Mt) nectaring on Waltheria indica once again!  Just like clockwork, and according to the records I have been keeping in my phenology journal, it was time for Mt to return!   

The male Mt, which I have affectionately nicknamed “El Guapo” back in 20221” did not disappoint me.  However, what made El Guapo’s sighting even more remarkable is that it was heralded just moments before by its fellow subfamily Oxaeinae member, the Protoxaea gloriosa! 

The Protoxaea gloriosa, which I affectionately nicknamed “El Glorioso” back in 2021, was also nectaring on Waltheria indica! 

As an aside, the last Protoxaea gloriosa that I recorded on my place was in the Spring of 2021. Remaining hopeful that “El Gloriosa” would one day return, I have been looking for them ever since.  It only took approximately four (4) years of waiting, and it was worth it!  Now, I have given myself a photo / video challenge:  Record as much of “El Glorioso” as possible. 

My phenology records show a cyclical trend—maybe pattern or cycle might be better descriptions—on the amount of time I might expect to see the Mesoxaea texana and indicate that I will get to document the male a few weeks before the female Mesoxaea texana show up.  The overall trends on when the cycle starts and stops for this rare native bee, according to my phenology journal data entries, demonstrate that its arrival on the South Texas Sand Sheet has historically been from the months of May to June—even sometimes carrying over into the first week of July. 

Last year, the Mesoxaea texana showed up between approximately May 26, 2024, through July 2, 2024.  They were spotted on Salvia ballotiflora.  A special treat occurred last Fall, 2024, when the Mesoxaea texana reappeared for a second cycle above the ground on the South Texas Sand Sheet from approximately August 24, 2024, through October 26, 2024.  During their second cycle, they were spotted predominantly on Waltheria indica, but were also observed on Salvia ballotiflora, Eysenhardtia texana, and Funastrum cynanchoides.

Over the past four years, I have not been able to conduct the same amount of Citizen Science research for the Protoxaea gloriosa as I have for “El Guapo” because I have not laid eyes on it in four years.  My luck seems to be changing this year, however!  So now what?  What about “El Glorioso?” How long will we possibly get to see it on the South Texas Sand Sheet?   Will it be long enough to start collecting data? My hunch about “El Glorioso,” based on what I have learned, is that the patterns I have observed and documented for the Mesoxaea texana, its subfamily member, will also apply and hold true for it as well. I guess we will see.  Time (and data) will tell their tale. 

I will be, once again, starting up my intermittent, random walking surveys of all nine monitored sights.  I will be looking, in earnest, for their nests this year; it is on my bucket list to be able to document them!  I will continue to record ground temperatures at the monitored sights, track rainfall, record what’s blooming, and generally keep my eye out for anything that seems remarkable and worthy of note during these two rare, native bees time above the ground in this cycle of their lives on the South Texas Sand Sheet.

A slideshow for you:

Please stay tuned! There is more to come, and thank you for your time!

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

• August 2026
• July 2026
• May 2026
• May 2025
• October 2024
• September 2024
• August 2024
• May 2024
• March 2024
• December 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• June 2023
• May 2023
• November 2022
• November 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• September 2020
• June 2020
• May 2020
• March 2020
• February 2020
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• June 2019
• May 2019
• April 2019
• March 2019
• February 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018

The post Mesoxaea texana update from the South Texas Sand Sheet, and guess what? The Protoxaea gloriosa are back!!!!!!! appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.

Male Mesoxaea texana nectaring on Waltheria indica.

• “Mind-boggling:  95-day Emergence Cycle for the Mesoxaea texana  on the books for 2026 on the South Texas Sand Sheet!”
• “Micrograph Photo Gallery of a female Mesoxaea texana”
• “Mesoxaea texana and Protoxaea gloriosa found on Dr. Steve Bentsen’s Dos Venadas Ranch in June 2026!”
• 2025 was a Banner Year for our Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet in Puerto Rico, Texas!
• “El Glorioso,” our Protoxaea gloriosa, is back on the South Texas Sand Sheet!

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The post “Male Mesoxaea texana on the South Texas Sand Sheet” appeared first on El Mesteño® Ranch and Arboretum.