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Abstract Climate is a fundamental driver of macroecological patterns in functional trait variation. However, many of the traits that have outsized effects on thermal performance are complex, multi‐dimensional, and challenging to quantify at scale.To overcome this challenge, we leveraged techniques in deep learning and computer vision to quantify hair coverage and lightness of bees, using images of a diverse and widely distributed sample of museum specimens.We demonstrate that climate shapes variation in these traits at a global scale, with bee lightness increasing with maximum environmental temperatures (thermal melanism hypothesis) and decreasing with annual precipitation (Gloger's Rule).We found that deserts are hotspots for bees covered in light‐coloured hairs, adaptations that may mitigate heat stress and represent convergent evolution with other desert organisms.These results support major ecogeographical rules in functional trait variation and emphasize the role of climate in shaping bee phenotypic diversity. Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog. 

AndrenaFabricius, 1775 is one of the most diverse bee genera worldwide, yet the biology and distribution of many species are poorly known. Here I present the first record ofAndrena pachucensisDonovan, 1977 in the United States. This species was originally described from 11 specimens collected in the state of Hidalgo Mexico. The type specimens are housed at University of Kansas where museum records indicate there are eight not 11 type specimens. The discovery of two additional specimens in Taos, New Mexico, represents a remarkable northward range extension of about 1,900 km. 

Insect research collections often include outreach drawers displaying specimens to enhance public awareness and access to scientific knowledge at various events. Despite their educational value, there is limited understanding of how these drawers are designed, used, or evaluated for quality. As a first step towards understanding these aspects, we surveyed members of the community who use insect drawers for public outreach. Survey results indicate that curators and collection managers consider outreach drawers important and use them widely at events, though they are rarely assessed beyond aesthetics and/or anecdotal audience feedback. The number and thematic scope of these drawers vary significantly among institutions, from as few as 3 to more than 50, and covering topics from collection history to pollinator conservation. However, few institutions display these collections online, limiting access to in-person events. Their maintenance and development are also often constrained by limited funding and staff availability. To guide decisions and efforts to enhance the educational impact and accessibility of outreach drawers, we introduce a quick-assessment tool based on five criteria: information, relevance, aesthetics, potential for engagement and inspiration. The next step is to apply appropriate tools to measure public engagement with these displays. 

Scientific research is often confined to academic circles, limiting public awareness of critical discoveries. This document highlights the transformative impact of science communication through an entomological exhibition accompanied by a visual infographic in a rural museum in La Tatacoa, municipality of Villavieja, Huila, Colombia. Based on an undergraduate research project on native bee diversity in the region, a collaborative initiative led to the creation of a small bee exhibition at the Tatacoa Natural History Museum. Despite initial skepticism regarding the presence of more than 110 bee species in this arid ecosystem, the exhibition effectively captured public interest. Following its publication on social media, the exhibition went viral, significantly increasing awareness of local biodiversity. The initiative also became a valuable educational tool, fostering environmental engagement among local students and inspiring conservation efforts. The subsequent renovation of the museum further enhanced public appreciation of regional biodiversity. This case study underscores the impact of accessible science communication in bridging the gap between academic research and societal awareness, demonstrating that visual and interactive formats can foster greater public engagement with conservation and biodiversity. 

Outreach insect drawers serve as valuable educational tools, showcasing insect diversity and fostering curiosity. However, these static displays often fail to bridge the emotional gap between people and insects. Here, I discuss how by incorporating live insects, namely male bumble bees and carpenter bees, into outreach events might help to reduce fear and foster empathy amongst the public. I argue that, by integrating live insects with traditional displays, we can inspire deeper connections and encourage conservation efforts, ensuring that people see insects as living organisms worth protecting, rather than just specimens behind glass. Future research questions and suggestions regarding evaluation of outreach collections are discussed. 

A new species of the Neotropical genus Duckeanthidium Moure & Hurd is described and illustrated from the Amazon basin in Colombia. Duckeanthidium silvicola Guevara & Gonzalez, new species, is known from the female and exhibits intermediate features between the Central American species D. thielei Michener and the Amazonian species D. atropos (Smith). In addition, we report long-term observations on D. thielei from Panama for the first time, along with notes on nesting and sex ratio.  

Andrena nimigracilis Zabinski, new species, is described from a single male specimen from the state of Michoacán in México. It can be distinguished from males of all other species of North American Andrena by the following combination of characters: metasoma extremely narrow, humeral angle extremely weak, propodeum declivitous, genal area small, compound eye wide compared to its length, pretarsal claws with tooth, vertex ≤1.5x lateral ocellar diameter, and wings hyaline. Due to this unique morphology, this species currently cannot be placed into any Andrena subgenus, therefore placed as subgenus incertae sedis.