Leaf-cutter Bee Nest-Building

e6filmuser

I had been aware of at least two leaf-cutter bees showing interest in the compost of my potted cacti. Mostly, this was on a side where I could not observe exactly what was happening. Moving or turning a pot would disorientate the bee. Then one of the bees chose to show interest in the side of a pot facing me. It was also the pot of one of my most photogenic cacti.

I shot some sequences of the bee landing on the pot and disappearing down its tunnel. It did not carry any pieces of leaf so I suspected that it was finishing off the nest. Then I saw its head appear first. This happens only during egg-laying. Further visits by the bee were with portions of leaf. It was, at last, finishing its work.

These bees fly straight and fast and I was only able to get shots of arrival and not of the approach.

Olympus EM-1 (aperture priority), Olympus 4/3 x2 TC, Olympus 4/3 50mm f2 macro, f9 or f11, hand-held.

Harold

bfluegie

What a great sequence. And that cactus really is photogenic.

denisegoldberg

Love the series!

e6filmuser

Thanks for your comments.

bfluegie, that cactus is a rare hybrid.

These bees are a common sight in the UK each spring. They make great use of the bamboo "bee hotels".

Harold