Pollen Baskets

I must pay attention this Spring because I can't remember seeing red tinted corbiculas on domestic or wild honey bees before.

It might be an Autumn phenomenon with not many plants in flower.

This bee is busy on Salvia microphylla (Huntington Red) which is a prolific bloomer at most times of the year. Many nectar-feeding invertebrates including the Blue-banded bee (Amegilla cingulata) also love this plant.

(Click image to enlarge)


This photo does not do the flower justice. It is bright red. The shot was taken in overcast conditions after some rain.