Great pictures as usual thanks Chris, what flower is it? Not sure I follow the correct choice on the menu as previously discussed so entered as anonymous option. Hope this works. Best Jola
This worked Jola. The flower is a collarette dahlia. I have lots, all different colours. They are really good for late season nectar and pollen. Late bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies are all keen on them too.
Interesting that this honeybee is collecting nectar, but doesn't appear to be collecting pollen into its baskets to take back to the hive. So, because the pollen that has fallen onto its body is not being neatly stored on its leg, it is actually a more efficient pollinator when not deliberately collecting pollen.
It is interesting Louise. A few bees are still bringing in pollen but I expect they don't need much this late in the season as there will be very few larvae to feed. It may also be that dahlia pollen doesn't taste as good or doesn't have the best nutritional content for them.
Great pictures as usual thanks Chris,
ReplyDeletewhat flower is it?
Not sure I follow the correct choice on the menu as previously discussed so entered as anonymous option. Hope this works.
Best
Jola
This worked Jola. The flower is a collarette dahlia. I have lots, all different colours. They are really good for late season nectar and pollen. Late bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies are all keen on them too.
DeleteInteresting that this honeybee is collecting nectar, but doesn't appear to be collecting pollen into its baskets to take back to the hive. So, because the pollen that has fallen onto its body is not being neatly stored on its leg, it is actually a more efficient pollinator when not deliberately collecting pollen.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting Louise. A few bees are still bringing in pollen but I expect they don't need much this late in the season as there will be very few larvae to feed. It may also be that dahlia pollen doesn't taste as good or doesn't have the best nutritional content for them.
Delete