Monday 22 March 2010
At close range
If a neighbour had casually seen me on my garden this morning, he or she could have rightly thought either that I was out of my mind or that I was practicing some tai-chi. But no, in one of the few sunny spells we had on an otherwise windy, cold morning, an Anthophora plumipes male stopped to sunbathe for a bit longer than usual. It is the longest time I have seen one of these fast high-pitched buzzing bees sitting still. The spot was quite near to the wall where I photographed the male in yesterday's post, possibly the same individual, but the background was much more interesting and I wanted to get a closer picture. Unfortunately, a barrier of lavenders, plum branches and primroses separated me from my subject, so I had to stretch and contort, while supporting myself with one hand on the mud, moving very slowly to take this photo one-handed. I just cannot hold it for a future post, as it is since now my favourite A. plumipes male photo. After a few minutes, the male started looking around nervously, flicking his antennae and, having warmed up, flew away.
Labels:
Anthophora plumipes,
male behaviour,
sunbathing
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
As soon as the temperature warms up I intend to try and locate these in my garden this morning. Will let you know if I find one. Excellent photograph.
Thank you Threadspider! Let me know if you find them.
Hi from Val. This is the most beautiful little bee. I have yet to see one in the flesh .. wonderful photo!
Post a Comment