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The Orchid and the Carpenter
Writer: Dr Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation.
We have all read about the decline in bee populations around the world and the dire predictions for a world devoid of bees. Most of these articles refer to honey bees. However, there are hundreds more types of wild bees that perform equally critical functions in nature. How much do we know about them?
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A carpenter bee (Xylocopa rufitarsis) visiting Muraltia for nectar.
The pollen grains are outwardly orientated as the bee flies from flower to flower sipping nectar.
A pollinated orchid with pollen stuck to the stigma.
PHOTOS: Jenny Cullinan & Karin Steenberg of Ujubee
Whale Coast Conservation had invited wild bee expert Jenny Cullinan from Ujubee to come and tell us more at our monthly talk in March. But alas, Covid-19 tripped us up. Jenny sent us the following teaser for her talk:
Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 15)
