Reed Bee

"They" said it was going to be really hot today, so we set off this morning to visit a couple of Open Gardens before it got too bad. We've never been to either of these before (both at Crafers in the Hills). The first place was an absolute Mecca for insects. Their plantings were designed to attract butterflies and bees, and they did a pretty good job. I got a wonderful image of a blue banded bee, but a different species from ones blipped before.

The second place was a much older garden with enormous trees, and so was rather cooler because of the deep shade. Even though it was only mid day, that shade was more than welcome. They didn't have so many insects but I was able to get this wonderful portrait of a native Reed Bee (Exoneura sp.).

Native bees are designed to test the patience of a saint. They dart around and are so quick you need to have the reactions times of Ponting fielding a catch in slips (we are playing South Africa in test cricket as I write this - and it's being played in Adelaide).

This little jewel was tired and decided to land on a flower to have a little rest. The flower was suspended in mid air by a single spider thread, and as the bee landed, it spun around and around. I was relieved to see it actually sitting still for just a moment.

Tiny 6 mm Bee made larger.