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CARPENTER BEE SUNBATHING

on 12th September 2014

“On the morning of 20th July 2014, I had the opportunity to observe a male carpenter bee (Xylocopa latipes) perched at the apex of a bare branch and basking in the sun against a clear blue sky (above). At regular intervals, this bee would launch itself into the air then return to the same perch after a brief turnaround flight.

“A video clip of the bee taking off and landing may be previewed here:

“While perched at such a prominent and commanding location, this bee would have an ideal vantage point to keep an eye out for rival males and/or receptive females, as it scans its surroundings with keen vigilance (below).

“As the temperature climbed, so did its metabolic rate. This may be noticed in the heightened pulsations of its abdomen.
A video clip of the abdominal pulsations may be previewed here:”

Dr Leong Tzi Ming
Singapoe
4th September 2014

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

One Response

  1. I read that in certain species of carpenter bees, only the females can sting. Is this true of the carpenter bee species found in Singapore? Also, I would be grateful if anyone can point me to a photo of their stinger (been searching the Net to no avail), if they have one.

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