‘Witch bee’ riding tiny broomstick to feature in Attenborough’s Wild Isles | BBC

[pellinore]

A bee that seems to be riding a tiny broomstick will be among the creatures to feature in Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles BBC series on Sunday.

In the third episode of the five-part-series, viewers can take a closer look at grassland habitats and many of its inhabitants, including the mason bee.

The insect is fondly referred to by the film crew as the “witch bee” as it appears as though it is riding a miniature broomstick as it flies with grass stalks with which to make a nest.

Filmed in Dorset, the female two-coloured mason bee nests in disused snail shells that she then conceals with the dry grass stalks she collects.

‘Witch bee’ riding tiny broomstick to feature in Attenborough’s Wild Isles | BBC | The Guardian

Edited March 26, 2023 by pellinore

[Grim Reaper 6]

9 minutes ago, pellinore said:

A bee that seems to be riding a tiny broomstick will be among the creatures to feature in Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles BBC series on Sunday.

In the third episode of the five-part-series, viewers can take a closer look at grassland habitats and many of its inhabitants, including the mason bee.

The insect is fondly referred to by the film crew as the “witch bee” as it appears as though it is riding a miniature broomstick as it flies with grass stalks with which to make a nest.

Filmed in Dorset, the female two-coloured mason bee nests in disused snail shells that she then conceals with the dry grass stalks she collects.

‘Witch bee’ riding tiny broomstick to feature in Attenborough’s Wild Isles | BBC | The Guardian

Thanks for sharing, that’s really cool!

[Orphalesion]

Now that's just darling ^-^

[Still Waters]

4 hours ago, pellinore said:

A bee that seems to be riding a tiny broomstick will be among the creatures to feature in Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles BBC series on Sunday.

In the third episode of the five-part-series, viewers can take a closer look at grassland habitats and many of its inhabitants, including the mason bee.

I'm a huge fan of Sir David Attenborough and have been watching this series on iPlayer. It's really good. Next episode tonight.