POLLINATION OF SKYVINE BY CARPENTER BEES

on 11th December 2014

“In early October 2014, I was admiring the pale, powdery purple inflorescence of the Skyvine (Thunbergia grandiflora, family Acanthaceae) along forest edge (above). As the delicate blossoms bathed in the gentle morning sun and swayed seductively in the balmy breeze, I could imagine how inviting the flowers must be if I were a bee.

“Indeed, the open invitations of each and every flower in bloom were eagerly accepted by visiting Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa latipes). Every time a bee enters the flower, it was plain to see how one was made for the other (above).

“This perfect fit of bee and flower ensures that pollen is deposited onto the thorax in sufficient quantities that can even be seen with the naked eye (above).

“Video clips of Carpenter Bee visitation (in actual speed) may be previewed below.

“Video clips of Carpenter Bee visitation (in slow motion) may be previewed below.

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
1st December 2014

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and do not represent nor are they endorsed by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore (LKCNHM, NUS) or any of NUS’s affiliates or subsidiaries. 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.

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