The early bee and the flower, continued

Though a few bees collected nectar from the peony buds, the flowers had much more to offer once they were fully open.  In addition to nectar, the flowers produced large quantities of pollen, which was a big attraction to visitors such as the leafcutter bee (Megachile sp.) pictured below.  Unlike bumble bees and honey bees, which pack pollen onto their hind legs, this leafcutter bee is collecting pollen on the underside of its abdomen.

Pollen was not the only thing waiting inside the flowers, however.  One of the peonies contained an unpleasant surprise that threatened to make any visiting bee permanently late.

A crab spider (Misumena vatia) ready to ambush visitors to the peony.