1. I've had a LARGE bumblebee, nearly the size of a hummingbird buzzing
around the yard the last couple of days. It's cagier than most bees while
it's working and flies away when I try to get a picture. It's mostly black
marked with bright yellow but won't stay still long enough for me to see the
pattern (big help, right?) . Its main distinguishing character is that it's
the largest bumblebee I've ever seen. Or could it be a Psithyrus (cuckoo
bumblebee)? It is mostly hanging around the Monarda and appears to be
shredding the tubular flowers to get at the nectar, but I can't tell for
sure. Any idea what kind of bumblebee it might be? (This is in Pullman)

2. On the Sedum "Autumn Joy" (a common horticultural Sedum) I noticed a
group of wasp-like insects. They had markedly elongated wings and body, all
black except the front half of the abdomen was orange-red. They were poking
around the flower heads, which has flowers that are barely on the verge of
opening.

3. Finally, any suggestions for good insect guides for Washington State? I
have Pyle's Butterfly book. I'd like a more or less complete guide. I
realize that means either a scholarly tome or a bunch of separate guides
covering groups of insects. Also, is there any place in the Moscow-Pullman
area to get a butterfly net?

Thanks,
Kelly Cassidy