Jane Grows Garden Rooms

Scientific Name: Xylocopa (genus) She sounds like a jet engine in comparison to other buzz pollinators. He probably does too, but I’m yet to find a male! At around one inch or two and a half centimetres long, the Great Carpenter Bee is Australia’s largest bee and yes, they are capable of stinging. They don’t… Continue reading Australia’s Largest Bee – The Great Carpenter

Hylaeine Bees are found on EVERY continent except Antarctica. They have facial markings that resemble the emarginate eyes of wasps. More than 200 species are distributed throughout Australia. The facial markers that earn them the “masked” label are usually more elaborate in males. They usually nest in holes in wood, made and abandoned by borers.… Continue reading Masked Bees – Hylaeus Bees

This shy species is very difficult to find in the garden. Like most Amegilla species, Teddy Bear Bees are quick and fly in erratic patterns, probably to elude predators. With their audible buzz and golden colouring they are sometimes mistaken for Bumblebees. While each bee provisions a nest by herself, Teddy Bear Bees have been… Continue reading Teddy Bear Bees

Despite being called “Blue-banded Bees”, many banded Amegilla species are not blue at all but range from blue to white and possibly green! I have heard it said that they are Australia’s most photographed bee and it’s no surprise! With their amazing eyes, iridescent bands and alluring buzz they make great subjects. The iridescent bands… Continue reading Blue-banded Bees