Photographs Taken in Morocco

Insects: Order Hymenoptera – Family Apidae – Subfamily Xylocopinae – Genus Xylocopa (Carpenter Bees) of Morocco

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Introduction to the Gallery: Insects: Order Hymenoptera -Family Xylocopa (Carpenter Bees) of Morocco

Genus incudes some 500 species.  Characteristics: 1.) Nests channels cut through rotten wood where eggs are laid and the larvae -pupae stages of life take place.  2.) Most species are black, shiny, hairless abdomen (unlike bumblebees). 3.) Some yellow or white ‘fur’. 4.) Males have larger eyes and may have a white or yellow face. 5.) Wing venation – marginal cell infront wing is narrow and elongated.

Observations: 1.) They seem capable of learning to seek nectar from species outside their regular indigenous native repertoire.  2.) They drill into the back end of Ipomoea (morning glory) flowers. 3.) Forage individually but often run into others on Dar Balmira’s roof deck garden. 4.) Will often hover close to my face in an attempt to recognize me – as plant or person?

Carpenter Bees (Family Xylocopa) of Morocco

 

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