The Country Diary of a GenX Woman

Native Reed Bee

20140409 034The little native Reed Bee (Exoneura bicolor) at the top is dwarfed by the honey bee. They get their name because they nest in the old hollowed out stems of plants. They range in size from 5mm-8mm and are found across Australia. They are classified as a social bee in that they display some cooperative behaviours with others of their own species such as foraging, guarding and sharing a nest.  Reed bees are one of the few Australian adult bees that survive by hibernating during winter.

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Inspired by The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady