A rare wood-boring bee was spotted in the Chernobyl Nature Reserve
A rare wood-boring bee was spotted in the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve. The insect is called a “carpenter” because of its ability to gnaw tunnels in dry wood, and because of its unusual method of collecting nectar, it is also known as a “flower thief.”
Reserve specialists have released a photograph showing a large, nearly black insect with shiny violet-blue wings.
According to researchers, if you see a large dark bee with distinctive wing coloring, it is most likely a xylocopa.
“If you see a large dark bee with shiny violet-blue wings, you’re most likely looking at a xylocopa. It’s no wonder it’s called a true ‘carpenter’ among insects. The female uses her powerful mandibles to gnaw tunnels in dry or dead wood, where she builds her nest. Inside, she creates individual cells in which her offspring will develop,” the experts explained.
For the wood-boring beetle, dry branches and old tree trunks are important breeding sites. Researchers emphasize that dead wood plays a significant role in natural ecosystems, as it serves as a habitat for a large number of organisms, particularly invertebrates.
Adult xylocopa bees feed on nectar and pollen and play an important role in plant pollination.
At the same time, these bees are capable of using an unconventional method to access flowers.
“Some xylocopa bees chew through the base of a long flower tube to reach the nectar, bypassing the flower’s natural entrance. This feeding method is called ‘flower theft,’” the report states.
It is precisely because of this behavior that researchers call the xylocopa a “flower thief.”
At first glance, the xylocopa may seem quite menacing—it is a large, dark bee with powerful mandibles.
However, experts assure us that these insects are generally non-aggressive and pose no danger if left undisturbed.
At the same time, the xylocopa has protected status: the bee is listed in Ukraine’s Red Book as a “vulnerable species.”
Experts at the reserve have released a photo showing this unusual, nearly black insect.
Earlier, in the Chornobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve, experts observed an interesting phenomenon: various wild animals use the same trees to mark their territory and communicate.
Also, an unusual incident occurred in the Chernobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve: a wood snipe “stopped” a security service vehicle right in the middle of the road.
Earlier, in the “Tuzly Estuaries” National Nature Park in the Odesa region, pink and curly pelicans were spotted.
In the Poltava region, the stork Odarka returned to her nest and attacked Lelya and Kvitka.
Storks have begun returning to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
