Australia supposedly has over 1,700 species of native bees, 11 of which are stingless. I've only photographed a couple species but will eventually set up some 'bee hotels' to help attract native bees and encourage their breeding in my yard. Here you can see the size difference between the European Honey bee and one of Australia's smallest varieties - Tetragonula carbonaria. These were photographed on flowering brassicas in my vegetable garden. Ideally I'd like a macro lens a little longer than the 90mm Tamron, so I'm considering the 150mm Irix. I have a bit of a wish list so who knows when that might happen. Have to keep some money for K-new.

[MikeMcE]

Love the bulging pollen sacks! Great capture!


Hang up and DRIVE!

[DW58]

Great colors. Always nice to get two in one.

[pqberger]

Love the bulging pollen sacks! Great capture!

Thanks MikeMce. It's interesting how different bees hold their pollen. Not all bees hold it on their legs.

---------- Post added 18-08-20 at 10:26 AM ----------

Great colors. Always nice to get two in one.

Always helps when you want to compare species. Glad that you like the image.

[K2 to K50]

Australia supposedly has over 1,700 species of native bees, 11 of which are stingless. Have to keep some money for K-new.

Hey, no fair - you got a two-for-one in this one! Nice image - they both look like they are being "as busy as a bee".