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Blue Banded Bee

Amegilla

Description:

has a very striking appearance. Unlike the honey bee, it has pale blue stripes on its abdomen instead of yellow. The male can be distinguished by the number of complete bands, having five as opposed to the females' four.[2] In size, A. cingulata can grow to 10–12 millimetres (0.39–0.47 in). Its appearance includes a golden brown head with bulging eyes that have multiple lenses. They have six sticky legs and a long tongue to help extract nectar from flowers. Scientists believe that male bees have brighter blue stripes to attract female bees. [edit]

Habitat:

commonly known as the blue banded bee, is an Australian native bee. It belongs to the Anthophoridae family of insects. Currently, there are several scientific organisations conducting thorough research on how the blue banded bee benefits agriculture through its distinctive "buzz pollination". These bees are very important for the production of food and contribute to at least 30% of crops in Australia.

Notes:

Found in the back of my ute (4x4 car). I have not seen one before or maybe had not noticed?

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JasonWhittle
Spotted by
JasonWhittle

5606, South Australia, Australia

Spotted on Nov 10, 2011
Submitted on Nov 10, 2011

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