Bees and Bugs
On Friday our beekeeper came to inspect the hives.
The main job was to do a sugar shake to check for mites. You just need to take out a half cup of bees,
which are added to this jar with the sugar. The bees are coated with the sugar, and then the sugar is tapped out into the pan to see if there are any mites in the sugar. Unfortunately there were enough mites to warrant a treatment, which will be done this week.
The sugar-coated bees are returned to the hive, where the others welcome them as a treat.
This is a cicada, which tells you it is a very hot day, with its constant "song".
There have been red admirals laying eggs on the nettles which grow on the edge of the wetland.
Do not know what this insect is, but that pointed appendage looks lethal.
Was aiming to take this red wasp on the dill, and to my surprise there were three other little insects in the photo.
Eileen: That second-last image depicts a robber fly, one of the highly varied members of the family Asilidae. According to my Field Guide to the Insects, "robber flies occur is a variety of habitats and are predaceous, often attacking insects larger than themselves. Larger species can inflict a painful bite if handled carelessly." The elongated abdomen of the the species you photographed is intimidating and looks like a stinger; I wouldn't think of "carelessly handling" this insect!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I kept my distance.
ReplyDelete