Posted by David Taylor on August 25, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Wool Carder bees have been conspicuous by their absence in my garden, over the last three years. However in late July a couple of females made an appearance, and, joy of joys, started foraging on the
Purple toadflax and Stachys byzantina I have encouraged to grow in their absence. A couple of days later, a male appeared and staked a claim to some territory, darting about seeing off other bee species with his
main weapon, three prongs at the end of his abdomen. His main purpose was to mate with as many available and compliant females as possible.
This he did with gusto and considerable expertise and vigour (it only takes about five seconds from start to finish)!
This anaglyph may be the first 3D image of wool carder bees mating. I've
not seen another.
Usual 3D macro set up
Image processed in StereoPhotoMaker 4,40
And PictureWindowPro7
Posted by David Taylor on August 25, 2013 at 11:18 AM
Here's a an anaglyph of them on purple toadflax.
Posted by David Sewell on August 25, 2013 at 2:57 PM
I think I prefer the second one, the bees really stand out from the background.
David
Posted by Nick Mckeown on August 26, 2013 at 3:53 PM
No. 2 is my preference too David. It is amazing to see the orange blob disappear from the bees bottom on the first image when you don the specs!
Discussion
3 repliesPurple toadflax and Stachys byzantina I have encouraged to grow in their absence. A couple of days later, a male appeared and staked a claim to some territory, darting about seeing off other bee species with his
main weapon, three prongs at the end of his abdomen. His main purpose was to mate with as many available and compliant females as possible.
This he did with gusto and considerable expertise and vigour (it only takes about five seconds from start to finish)!
This anaglyph may be the first 3D image of wool carder bees mating. I've
not seen another.
Usual 3D macro set up
Image processed in StereoPhotoMaker 4,40
And PictureWindowPro7
David
Congrats on possibly a world first!
Nick.