A Blue Banded Bee, I think I am obsessed with this lady. The matter of the fact is that it can rest on a stem, holding on only with its teeth (mandibles).
Honey bees are not the only bee species that are significant for human wellbeing. Amegilla bees are a group of native bee species that do not produce honey but are important pollinators of crops and wild plants. Amegilla bees are not aggressive but can sting for defence. They have a mild sting that is much less painful than that of a honey bee. Amegilla bees, often known as banded bees because of their characteristic striped abdomens are medium-sized bees (10-12mm in length) with a golden brown head . Males rest overnight by clinging to plant stems. They live independently of others (i.e. they are solitary) and nest in burrows in the soil, soft sandstone, old mortar or even mud bricks.
From a conservation and agricultural standpoint it is not necessary to recognise all the different bee genera. However, it is important to know that there is a large bee biodiversity. Different bee genera pollinate different plant species, although there is some overlap that acts as a buffer as bee populations wax and wane. For healthy ecosystems, including agro-ecosystems both diversity and abundance in the bee fauna is important.
Source: BioNet-EAFRINET Factsheet
Thanks, @meetingmysticalcreatures for sharing the knowledge. Follow him if you like to know more about this beautiful little bee or want to check out some amazing pictures from forests and wildlife across the country.
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