Nectaring. Apis mellifera, Honeybee, on False Dittany, Ballota pseudodictamnus, Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Our Honeybee is delving deeply into the tiny flowers of False Dittany. She's seeking nectar. The inset photo shows that the stamens and pistil of the flower are high whereas the source of its nectar is low, there where Apis is delving. Pollen will rub off on its back and be transferred to other flowers.
It's been very wet here and it's rather surprising this Ballota is flowering. I've written earlier about that plant - in former times used especlally medicinally in childbirth (hence the Dutch name: 'Kraamkruid'): www.flickr.com/photos/87453322@N00/29190315840/in/photoli...
Nectaring. Apis mellifera, Honeybee, on False Dittany, Ballota pseudodictamnus, Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Our Honeybee is delving deeply into the tiny flowers of False Dittany. She's seeking nectar. The inset photo shows that the stamens and pistil of the flower are high whereas the source of its nectar is low, there where Apis is delving. Pollen will rub off on its back and be transferred to other flowers.
It's been very wet here and it's rather surprising this Ballota is flowering. I've written earlier about that plant - in former times used especlally medicinally in childbirth (hence the Dutch name: 'Kraamkruid'): www.flickr.com/photos/87453322@N00/29190315840/in/photoli...