Don't Worry, Bee Happy

How wonderful to have a normal, hot, English summer's day after yesterday's horrendous roasting temperatures.

I spotted, what I think is, a leafcutter bee on this thistle on the bank of the lake this morning. I've seen such bees nearby carrying their leaf cuttings. Their activities cause no harm to the plants that they cut pieces out of to make cells for their larvae. They nest in cavities so are often seen in bee hotels.

Unlike honey and bumble bees, which collect pollen in 'baskets' on their legs, these creatures collect it to feed their larvae with a pollen brush or scopa on the underside of their abdomen.. They can be seen on flowers using a busy, energetic, swimming action which releases a lot of pollen. They often stick their abdomens in the air. They are much more efficient pollinators than honey bees.