A Megachilidae Bee on Meganissi.

A solitary bee seen on the Greek Island of Meganissi in May was this rather demonic looking bee.The best identification I can make is a member of the Megachilidae family of bees,more commonly known as Mason,Leafcutter,and Resin bees.Further enquires have found it to be subgenus chalicodoma.

Another Sight of the Violet Carpenter Bee.

On my trips to the Greek Islands I sometimes have been lucky enough to see the Violet Carpenter Bee.It is mainly found in southern Europe and the queen in particular is unmistakable being perhaps one of the largest bee species.

Nomads Out & About..

At this time of the year Nomad bees are about,and this one was seen in my garden yesterday.It is considered to be Nomad flava and is widespread,particularly in southern England.More information on this species can be found here.

First Bumblebee Sighting of the year.

We are now enjoying  a few days of  mild and settled weather and spring it seems is just around the corner.Therefore I was pleased to see my first bumblebee of the year,a Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) busily buzzing  in and out of our garden hellebores this morning.