Georgina Steytler's Image

Georgina Steytler (Australia) observes a ball of male Dawson’s burrowing bees vying for access to a female.

Georgina has been studying these bees for a few years and knew she had to keep her distance. Male Dawson’s burrowing bees had been patrolling one of the hundreds of active burrows on the clay plans near Carnarvon in Western Australia.

Lying on the hot, rocky, sun-baked ground with sand blowing in her face, Georgina used a long lens to get the perfect image.

When female Dawson’s burrowing bees emerge in spring, they are surrounded by males competing to mate with them. After mating, the female bee will dig a new burrow filled with pollen, wax, nectar and eggs, from which the hatched bees will emerge in spring.

How you can help

• Grow bee-friendly plants. Encourage bees to your garden with native plants that have open flowers, giving bees easy access to the nectar. You could also mow your lawn less often, and avoid paving over your garden or laying fake grass. If you buy a wildflower meadow mix, you can turn your lawn into a haven for bees. A simple way to encourage bees is to grow a wildflower pot.
• Consider alternatives to beekeeping. Concern for bees has led to an increase in beekeeping. But keeping honeybees can be harmful to other bee species, especially in towns and cities where competition for food is high. Think about alternatives like planting trees or wildflowers to support wild bees.
• Support small-scale farming. Burrowing bees in particular need undisturbed land, which is uncommon on modern industrial farms. Support organic farming and initiatives to restore wildflower-rich meadows and pastures.