Photo Credit: John Womack, member of the Oregon Bee Atlas; Location: Lord Island (Columbia River) near Rainier, Oregon.
Thanks to John for sharing these incredible photos!
He says, “Seeing the emergence was a happy surprise! It kind of reminded me of the chestbursting scene from Alien. The process was so fast; about 5-10 minutes. I think the sun being out helped. Once the critter had completely wriggled out, it stayed in the sun while it’s wings dried, opened, and separated. It seemed to force it’s body to lengthen. Once finished, it flew off like it had been flying forever.”
