rockin’ and rollin’
metallic green sweat bee dancin’
the pollinating blues
Hard to believe, but until a couple of days ago I had never noticed these striking bees before. Or perhaps I saw them, but didn’t really see them. At first I thought that this must be a fly, but after watching this insect closely I realized that it must be a bee.
With the assistance of Google it didn’t take me long to figure out what I had discovered.
Turns out that metallic green sweat bees are quite common all over the world. They nest underground and are attracted to perspiration. They will sting if they are bothered by humans, but the sting is mostly harmless according to Wikipedia.
Have you seen these bees in your garden?
Sabine
Correction!!
I have since learned that this “bee” is actually a fly! Thank you Tom and Marina for letting me know! 🙂
For an update check out the next post!
Sabine
in cahoots with muddy boots 
I don’t think I’ve seen them but will keep a look out for them. I love the photos- the iridescent bee bottom and the blue flower together. You must have needed to be very patient to get them.
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Patience is my middle name! 😉 They are easy to overlook because of their small size, but if the light hits them right they stand out with their brilliantly colored be(e)hinds!
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Most charming!
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😘
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Well, I learned something new again today. I thought they were flies too. I don’t sweat very much so nothing to worry about there. Love those little flowers. Hope you had a wonderful Sunday.
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The little flowers are forget-me-nots! They started out as a 2 inch pot and have spread nicely. They reseed themselves and all the different bees and bumblebees love them. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who didn’t know about them! I had a great Sunday Marlene! I hope that you did too!
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Great shots but it is a species of fly, not a sweat bee whatsoever. 🙂
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😂 Hey Tom, thanks for letting me know! I really thought that’s what it was, a sweat bee. I will have to correct my post! 👍
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Lovely shots! The botanist in me is happy 🙂 But I would say it is a fly, with my little botanic knowledge. This is a kind of flies we had in Ukraine when I grew up, at least. Kind of irritating when it gets hotter. Hmm, bees…?
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Hey Marina, thanks for letting me know about the fly! Another reader also let me know and once I went back and checked again it was clear that it’s a fly. Prettiest fly I’ve ever seen! Thanks for visiting! 🙋
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Yes, they are pretty to look at. But I remember that they can get pretty annoying in the heat of the day (and who would not, of course, hehe).
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Fortunately I’ve never had them bug me! 😉
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So you can just enjoy the sight 🙂
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Pingback: Zunday Zen … The Case of Mistaken Identity! | in cahoots with muddy boots
Beautiful captures!!!
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Thanks so much! 😊
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Every post is better!
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😎
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😁 Still cool pictures, even if it is a fly!
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Yes indeed! 👍
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I’ve never seen them but I’ll look closer from now on.
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Insects are so fascinating up close!
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