Sunday, July 4, 2010

Pollen Wallowers

Pollen is plentiful during the summer months. Bees, moths, butterflies, hummingbirds and some nectar feeding bats are several of nature's all-star pollinators. These winged transporters carry the protein-rich pollen grains from flower to flower as they feed. Plants benefit from the pollinators, as the transfer of the golden dust enables them to reproduce. In turn, the flowering plants provide sustenance for the pollinators and their offspring.
(I welcome identification corrections)


The wing underside of a Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is blanketed in pollen dust


A cheerful, bright Blanket Flower plays host to a satiated bee ~ Note the full pollen baskets on the hind legs of the bee ~ These sacs are for pollen storage


This Golden Northern Bumble Bee seems to have found the perfect flowering plant ~ A Honey Bee looks as if it is waiting its turn for a tasty treat


If you look closely you can see a few yellow pollen granules dotting the wing and thorax of this Missoni-like patterned Red Admiral Butterfly


Legs coated, pollen baskets full to bursting, this bee is earning its pay when it comes to assisting in plant reproduction


This Virescent Green Metallic Bee looks as if it has bathed in pollen powder


 A busy Golden Northern Bumble Bee collects pollen from Purple Coneflower florets


A beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail sprinkled with pollen particles

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Absolutely Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

The colors are just amazing!

Dan Huber said...

wonderful photo series

dan

Unknown said...

Wonderful!

Kerri Farley said...

Excellent images! WOW! The pollen really shows up on these lovely creatures!

Anonymous said...

GORGEOUS Captures Julie!! Your Butterflies, Flowers and Bees are delightful!! Beautiful...as always!

Patricia/Trisketta said...

What exquisite captures! The light and colors are truly enchanting. Thank you, Julie for such wonderful detailed encounters with nature :D

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Beautiful buggy captures! Especially love the honey bee closing in on the bumble bee.

BirdingMaine said...

Beautiful macro series Julie!

Julie G. said...

An appreciative thank you for all the nice comments. You have all brightened my day.

Sharon M said...

These are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Julie,

Looks like that new macro lens is starting to earn it's keep. Very nicely composed shots & the colors are wonderful.

Annie Griffon said...

Trés beau blog, magnifiques photos, bravo!!!