S-bee-lunking
November 03, 2009
Every day the honeybees go spelunking—or is it “sbeelunking”?—in the pink cuphea.
Spelunking, or caving, is popular in Austin, where limestone caves pocket the area. So I’m not surprised that our bees enjoy this exploratory pastime too. But don’t they understand that long, tubular flowers like this cuphea are better suited to hummingbirds’ long, narrow beaks?
I watched this bee trying to squirm her way into one flower for several minutes. Did she find the motherlode of golden pollen?
All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Terrific photos Pam. You caught her efforts with those little legs groping the folds of the bloom. Some bees actually bite holes in the sides of those tubular blooms to get at the pollen. This one must not know that trick or it was getting what it needed. I just love that second photo. It makes me think of a human with one of those great big ole beer steins.
Determination caught on film. I can watch this little critters for long moments scurry about the garden. Always amazed at how they know exactly where to go. Love that second photo especially.
Meems @ Hoe and Shovel
Awesome photos, Pam. I had them swarming the hummingbird feeder yesterday. There were so many, I started thinking about Africanized Bees. One of the dogs got stung, but they didn’t all swarm her, so I guess they were just good ole Hill Country Honey Bees.
Hello Pam,
It looks like the classic, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I hope the bee was successful!
Wow great catch on film!
Well…I guess you probably weren’t using film were you? Duh…
I love bees and these are wonderful shots. g
Great photos. The cupheas drove my bees crazy too. You should try the bi-colored form next year from Bustani. It was one of my favorite plants last (sigh?) summer.~~Dee
the bees really love the cuphea in my yard, too! they really “get into” them, huh?!
I’m glad you all enjoyed the cuphea-crazed bee. Dee, thanks too for the tip about the bi-colored cuphea. I’ll look for it next spring. —Pam
Sbeelunking? They look like they’re trying on pink hats!
Love all the bee-youtiful shots, Pam.
Annie