Sure, Blue Bees Exist! What to Know Concerning the Gems of the Insect World

Varieties of Blue Bees

Now, you may be questioning the place these blue bees are discovered. Properly, they’re globetrotters, making appearances in Australia, the US, and past.

1. Blue Orchard Mason Bee

Blue orchard mason bees are vital pollinators for quite a lot of crops, together with apples, cherries, and almonds. They’re significantly efficient at pollinating fruit timber as a result of they’re lively early within the spring, when many fruit timber are in bloom.

The blue orchard mason bee is solitary, that means it would not reside in colonies. As a substitute, every feminine bee creates her personal nest in pre-existing holes or cavities, akin to these present in wooden or hole plant stems.

The identify “blue orchard” comes from the bee’s metallic blue-black coloration. Nonetheless, not all blue orchard mason bees are blue—some could have a greenish or purplish tint to their our bodies.

2. Blue Carpenter Bee

Photograph: Australian Geographic

In contrast to the stereotypical picture of a bee, clad in yellow and black stripes, the Xylocopa caerulea—also called the blue carpenter bee—presents a surprising show of wealthy, blue hues. This intriguing species of carpenter bee will not be a mere aesthetic marvel but in addition performs a vital function in pollinating varied plant species. 

Initially native to the plush landscapes of Southeast Asia, the blue carpenter bee has managed to increase its territory throughout totally different elements of the globe. These radiant blue pollinators have been sighted in nations akin to India, China, and even so far as Australia.

The function of the blue carpenter bee extends past its beautiful look. It serves an integral a part of the ecosystem, contributing to the pollination of quite a few plant species, from espresso beans to mangoes.

3. Sweat Bee

Ever had a tiny customer buzzing round you on a scorching summer time day? You might need met a sweat bee, also called a halictid bee. These intriguing creatures have a peculiar penchant for human sweat, typically making them our surprising companions in the course of the sweltering summer time months. However take a better look, and you will be in awe of their metallic bluish-green hue.

Regardless of their closeness to people, blue sweat bees are removed from being hostile. These light bugs are recognized to be comparatively innocent, their stings extraordinarily uncommon. Their fascination with people is much less about us and extra about their insatiable quest for pollen and nectar. 

4. Blue Calamintha Bee

Photograph: Florida Museum/Jaret Daniels

Takeaway

From the colourful sweat bee to the blue carpenter bee, the world of blue bees is as various and vital as it’s stunning. So, subsequent time you are out and about, preserve a watch out for these blue wonders. You simply may be fortunate sufficient to identify one!