This is one of the best pictures I have taken of any bee – it was focused, showed the details of its wings, the body looks like its covered in soft fur instead of hairs, the orange pollen sac collected on the hind legs which is a part of the tibia. They use this in harvesting pollen and carrying it back to the nest or hive. The pollen will be moistened with some nectar to make it sticky and stay in the basket. Just a perfect shot if I don’t say! I don’t know whether it is a male or female but it is a small bumble bee. As the flower he/she is getting pollen/nectar from is a Johnny Jump-Up which is a small flower, not even an inch. There are 19 species of bumble bees in Michigan, 6 are of “special concern” but not on the endangered list.
I hope you love your bees as much as I do; grow plenty of flowers they love, don’t use chemical sprays, provide overwintering habitats and appreciate these beautiful creatures that do so much good for us and our food!
Below are three pictures of the same shot, just enlarged. It took a few to get this one great photo!
This makes me happy – what makes you happy?
Wow, this is really an amazing photo! It made me happy to see it. Thanks! 🙂
I love it when a picture turns out so good – nothing is blurry! Such a pretty little bee gathering up pollen 🙂
They are such hard working little creature – and so important to agriculture! 🙂
Awesome capture. Is that one of those purple and yellow iris blooms? 🐝💜🌿
Thanks! Oh my no – that is a Johnny Jump Up which is only about 1-inch – not an iris for sure! I mentioned the flower above in my discussion of the photo – I don’t always read a post thoroughly either 🙂
Oops. The bee distracted me. 🐝👀🍃
i love these shots. aren’t bees the most wonderful creatures?
Thanks Sherry – I became interested in photgraphing bees a number of years back so I am always on the lookout for my little friends. This guy was tiny and the detail was so clear 🙂
Lovely macros – the Bee is furry!
It does look furry! I am always fascinated when I capture the pollen sacs of these busy little bees 🙂
I love insect macros – I am not skilled or well-times enough myself to catch them!