I watched a (female) Bee-mimic Beetle (Trichiotinus assimilis) forage for pollen on purple yarrow.
I was not the only watcher. As you can see in the pictures below, a male Bee-mimic Beetle also spotted her.
A female Bee-mimic Beetle is collecting pollen from yarrow.
The male lands on top of her.
And, we have contact.
ALISTAIR!!!! More I read your blog more I realize how little I know – I had no idea!
Jana, photography and writing are devices I use to learn about my surroundings. Prior to starting this project, I (whimsically) would claim that I could only distinguish two kinds of birds: live ones and dead ones.
Well thats very cool. Have never seen one of those before.
A lesson in the birds and (almost)
bees. I love the pollen alI over the beeding pair. I
haven’t seen the pink yarrow before either. Is it as invasive as the yellow?
Lorna, what is called purple yarrow is an uncommon varient on the normally white flower. I first saw some at Trout Lake, but have since then found it along the shore of Kootenay Lake. And I agree, the name somewhat misrepresents the hue.
We always enjoy looking at your wonderful wildlife photos. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Muriel & John Walton