What will 'bee' in 2023?
Updated: May 21
Recent Sightings for May
Sapyga quinquepunctata, Melecta albifrons and Cacoxenus species (a fly) photographed in Keith Noble's garden.
Both Sapyga quinquepunctata and Cacoxenus are cleptoparasitic and will get into the nests of Red Mason bees. Sapyga quinquepunctata will also use other Osmia and Chelastoma bee species. Melecta albifrons (in the middle photo), is a cleptoparasite that will prey on the nests of the Hairy-Footed Flower bee, Anthophora plumipes.
Garden's are great places to observe bees and other insects. David Bean from Cwmdauddwr has invested in a 'bee hotel' for his garden and has been rewarded this year by Red Mason bees, Osmia bicornis moving in.
Anthophora plumipes
I'm really pleased that I managed to get some reasonable photos yesterday while the sun was out. Taken in Llandrindod Wells, this male and female Hairy-Footed Flower bees (Anthophora plumipes) were really busy - once again they were enjoying lungwort flowers. Get it planted in your garden!
These lovely spring images of Tawny Mining bee (left), Nomada signata male, (middle) and Hairy Footed Flower bee male, have all been captured by Keith Noble from Breconshire. The Nomada signata is the cleptoparasite to Tawny Mining bee, entering the nest holes to lay their own eggs (females of course).
It is surprising that more records aren't made of this Nomada species, considering how frequently Andrena fulva is recorded. Possibly, as it's more easily identified - there is nothing else quite like it.
Keep your eyes peeled as the bee and wasp season has now begun!