-
First spotted collecting balls of fluff from our lambs ear plant on the 30th Dec 2015. Photos taken 1st Jan 2016 when she returned again. Wouldn't keep still long for many photos, but got these throughout the day. Don't think the Wool Carder Bee has been reported in the Wellington area previously. Will be keen to hear if anyone else has seen one.
-
First spotted collecting balls of fluff from our lambs ear plant on the 30th Dec 2015. Photos taken 1st Jan 2016 when she returned again. Wouldn't keep still long for many photos, but got these throughout the day. Don't think the Wool Carder Bee has been reported in the Wellington area previously. Will be keen to hear if anyone else has seen one.
-
-
-
Anthidium manicatum (European wool carder bee) found inside on curtain
-
Recent arrival here. About 5 yrs back. Males are extremely territorial and defend plants of the Salvia family and Bee-Flowers from other foraging bees by dive bombing tactics and if resisted by actual hand to hand combat. Much larger bumblebees are driven off. They also drive off another pest, the Asian paper wasps and females of their own kind. Herbs like Anise hyssop are also good foraging for them.
-
Recent arrival here. About 5 yrs back. Males are extremely territorial and defend plants of the Salvia family and Bee-Flowers from other foraging bees by dive bombing tactics and if resisted by actual hand to hand combat. Much larger bumblebees are driven off. They also drive off another pest, the Asian paper wasps and females of their own kind. Herbs like Anise hyssop are also good foraging for them.
-
-
-
Unusual markings
-
At least two individuals present from this date. They were not in the garden prior to the 12th of January. They are always in the same part of the garden, next to the fence.
-
At least two individuals present from this date. They were not in the garden prior to the 12th of January. They are always in the same part of the garden, next to the fence.
-
At least two individuals present from this date. They were not in the garden prior to the 12th of January. They are always in the same part of the garden, next to the fence.
-
Hovered between visits to lavender leaves and flowers.
-
Hovered between visits to lavender leaves and flowers.
-
Hovered between visits to lavender leaves and flowers.
-
-
-
-
Found an individual bossing around honeybees and bumblebees in our garden. Very distinct flight pattern, dragonfly like. Looked to me like a cross between a bee and a wasp.
-
On oregano in a sunny corner. Seems territorial.
-
On oregano in a sunny corner. Seems territorial.
-
Feeding on purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea)
-
Feeding on purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea)