Learn about the fascinating and amazing world of bees when bee and butterfly fundi, Peter Webb presents an illustrated talk at the next evening meeting of the Modderfontein Conservation Society.
The meeting takes place in the Modderfontein Town Hall, at 1 Casino Road, on Thursday, February 20, starting at 7.30pm.
Peter’s talk, “The wonderful world of bees” will highlight the astonishing social aspects of colony bees and the little-known world of safe and silent solitary bees.
He will also talk on providing shelter for bees, and the types of bees you may find in the garden.
“Did you know that if you create a butterfly patch in your garden you may well also attract some of 1 200 species of indigenous solitary bees?” asks Peter
Given that there is a worldwide crisis in terms of dying bee populations, Peter suggests that we give some thought to creating food sources and havens for our bees. Solitary bees do not sting and therefore do not pose a danger to those allergic to honey bee stings and can be housed in specially constructed bee hotels (see: http://www.beehotel.co.za/index.html).
Visitors are welcome to attend this meeting. There is a charge of R30 at the door to help cover expenses. For more information, contact Carol Sherwood on 082 906 5794. Also visit the Society’s website: www.modderconserve.org.
Photo: A honey bee accumulates pollen on its hind legs as it harvests it from a cosmos flower.