Tawny Mining Bee being "stalked" by a Cuckoo Bee on Film

[tigger]

I didn't know whether to put this on here, or in the video section but thought you "insecty" people would hopefully enjoy it.

I managed to capture footage of a Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) being stalked by a Cuckoo Bee (Nomada sp.) at the weekend.

Tawny Mining Bee being stalked by a Cuckoo Bee on Vimeo

I'd noticed a lot of Cuckoo bees (Nomada sp.) sitting around on leaves on the ground (looking highly suspicious).

I decided to watch and film one for a while (you can just see her sitting on a leaf in the bottom of the picture - looks a bit like a stripey wasp).

Suddenly a Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) came out of it's nest in the ground (a small hole in the earth just at the back of the picture). Flew around for a bit (obviously not liking the look of the Cuckoo bee) and flew away.

Then the Cuckoo bee (as bold as brass) walked straight into the Mining bees nest. Little tinker!

I believe the Cuckoo bee will lay its eggs in the cells provisioned by the Mining bee (hence the name cuckoo like the bird). When the Cuckoo bee larva hatch they will consume the Mining Bees pollen ball, and I believe, eat the Mining bee's larva.

If I've got any of this wrong... please let me know!

What a life eh!

[Toby]

interesting, much enjoyed!

[tigger]

Thanks Toby....

[JRsbugs]

Great capture! Very sneaky Nomada, waited for sure until the coast was clear.

Janet

[tigger]

Thanks Janet.

Do you put your photos on Flickr? Just wondered if you could let me know your name on flickr (as I always love looking at your photographs).

Jane

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by tigger

Thanks Janet.

Do you put your photos on Flickr? Just wondered if you could let me know your name on flickr (as I always love looking at your photographs).

Jane

No I don't Jane, maybe I should start.

[Jason Green]

Hi Jane,

Great film - was going to ask what the cuckoo's intentions were... thanks

[tigger]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

No I don't Jane, maybe I should start.

Definitely should! If you do, let me know!

Mine are at "Jane Adams @ Nature Watch Corfe Mullen"

Thanks. Jane

[Africa]

I loved the film Jane! It's so interesting to observe all these strange and fascinating behaviours on our doorstep.

[tigger]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Hi Jane,

Great film - was going to ask what the cuckoo's intentions were... thanks

Thanks Jason!