Insects in the Lavender Patch

[richardslater]

There is a patch of lavender in my local park; I've never noticed it before as it's on the other side of a wall by a footpath. The park is popular with dog walkers, and as it turns out, it's pretty popular with the bees.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/4
Focal Length	44mm
Exposure	1/800 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6000
Lens	Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:24

The Bluebottle Fly

For once, this fly decided to stay still while I took a few shots, this Bluebottle Fly (Calliphora); I wouldn't expect to see one of these on a flower as generally, they feed on things that, erm, don't make for good photographs.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/2.2
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/1600 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:30

The Humble Bumble Bee

Next up, we find a [Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus Terrestris) on Lavender which, from my previous posts, you will know is a ubiquitous sight in the UK.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/2.2
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:33

You can get very close to bees while feeding, as they are so preoccupied with the nectar that they will pay little attention to you or the camera.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/2.2
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:33

When the bee moves off is time to be careful; just move slowly and watch. Don't step too close to a bee and won't get stung. Bees don't want to sting you and will only do so when directly threatened.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/1.4
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:35

Honey Bees

Western Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are responsible for the vast amount of honey produced in Europe; they live in the wild, and apiarists domesticate them for commercial honey production.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/2.2
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:33

Honey bees are unfortunately subject to Colony Collapse Disorder which results in all worker bees leaving a colony for no obvious reason. The worst-case scenario is large populations of bees die off, which would have a knock-on effect on all crop production as bees and other insects are required to pollinate virtually all crop species.

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/1.4
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:35

The worker bees (or drones) are relatively docile in Europe; I am led to believe that more aggressive species have arisen in the Americas

Key	Value
Photographer	@richardslater
F-Stop	f/2.2
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/2000 sec
ISO	100
Camera	Sony A6600
Lens	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM
Taken	Friday, 01 July 2022 18:33

I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. All words and photographs are my own; if my work has earned a vote, comment, or follow, I greatly appreciate it.

Comments

[teamuksupport]

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[vikar]

Amazing shot, I can clearly see the insects sucking the flower essence from the lavender flower

[richardslater]

Thanks, it is a fascinating world to explore.

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[kaazoom]

Great photos. I intend to add some lavender to my garden next year in the hope of attracting more insects.

[richardslater]

Thanks :) It spreads like mad so plan on trimming it back severely each year or plant it on submerged plant pots to contain it a little. Also french lavender is very pretty, but the bees seem to prefer the English lavender.

[bbphotography]

Very informative piece

[richardslater]

Thank you :)

[castleberry]

These are some really incredible shots! Really well done. You captured the Lavender tones perfectly.

[richardslater]

Thanks @castleberry I try, appreciate your comment :)

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