Saving a solitary bee

This native bee was found cold and wet after emerging too early due to strong end of winter sunshine. He just needed to warm up a bit, and when he was ready, I set him free.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• saving bees
• native bee
• solitary bee

[eccentricoldcow]

I remember when I kept honey bees many moons ago - the brightness of the snow outside their hive made the bees come out, then they hit the cold air and dropped down and I scooped em up and brought them in inside a jam jar. Covered the lid with gauze, and put them on the boiler to warm up. I had to gently place them back under the roof of the hive.

[solitarybee]

@eccentricoldcow all they need is a little warmth and TLC

[rosmarinusofficialis]

I hope he will fly forth to be prolific.

[solitarybee]

@rosmarinusofficialis well who knows, but at least he had another chance!

[sigma1920]

good for u!

how do u tell male and female in solitary bees?

do the males have bigger eyes like honeybees?

[solitarybee]

@sigma1920 it's a good question... what I have learned so far is that male solitary bees have longer antennae than the females and are smaller, and interestingly it seems that most of the solitary bees that I have encountered (especially my Osmia cornutas) have white tufts and moustaches. As they emerge first from the tunnels I think the white tuft helps emerged males distinguish between other emerging males and females.

[kalacaw]

Great save! Good for you! :)

[jonolemon]

Saine et sauve ! Ouf !