Country diary: the ivy bees are ready for their close-ups

Claxton, Norfolk: Of all the nectaring insects in the hedge only the 'gentle' hornets are camera shyI was so keen on photographing a new bee species for our parish that I had to squidge deep into the hedge among the nectaring insects. They were ivy bees, Colletes hederae, named for science in 1993 and first recorded on mainland Britain in 2001. Superficially they are similar to honeybees but larger, slower, brighter, with thorax and legs covered in golden hairs and abdomens banded with five creamy rings. Related: Ivy bees share bankside bar as flowers turn to teacup fruits Continue reading...