Megachile aurifronscapping the nest generalist feeder nest cell activity nesting new life opportunity knocks makita pollen private moments red eyes five eyes resin squatting bee video bee video sequel

During spring here in Alice Springs and when many plants are in flower, the Golden-browed Resin Bee can be observed in action, preparing their nest cells in a variety of locations including disused mud nest cells.

Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT

They then line the nest cell with pollen that they have collected on their abdomen, with traces seen on their legs. You can see traces of pollen on the head of the bee when it comes out of the nest cell and then enters the nest cell backwards (most likely to brush off any excess pollen into the nest cell.

Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons (Golden-browed Resin Bee), Alice Springs, NT
Megachile aurifrons, Alice Springs, NT

  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Hymenoptera
  • Family: Megachilidae
  • Genus: Megachile
  • Species: Megachile aurifrons

Footnote & References

  1. Megachile aurifrons, ausemade, iNaturalistAU, https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/189891896

Megachile aurifronscapping the nest generalist feeder nest cell activity nesting new life opportunity knocks makita pollen private moments red eyes five eyes resin squatting bee video bee video sequel

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