Blue-banded bee

Description:

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. A. cingulata 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

Habitat:

garden

Notes:

A. cingulata collects the majority of its nectar from blue flowers, although others investigated include mountain devil (Lambertia formosa), grey spider flower (Grevillea buxifolia) as well as the introduced Abelia grandiflora and lavender (Lavandula species). They also feed on some non-blue flowers such as the white form of Salvia coccinea, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) flowers,white flowers of Leea indica and some members of the Verbenaceae family. The bees use a process that involves clinging onto flowers and vibrating powerfully, which causes the food source to shoot out. They only have a limited foraging range of 300 m, while females make at least nine foraging flights per day.