. The Australian zoologist. Zoology; Zoology; Zoology. RAYMENT. 303 days, with a subnormal precipitation. When September opened, the tempera- tures registered max. deg. C, min. deg. C, and at two energetic females emerged from one stem for a short flight of less than a metre. They were followed soon after by three females from other stems, but all returned after re-orienting the sites of the nests; three others departed to harvest in the field. A male was observed to issue from one stem and depart. He did not return until 35 minutes later. The bees seldom flew at lower temp
. The Australian zoologist. Zoology; Zoology; Zoology. RAYMENT. 303 days, with a subnormal precipitation. When September opened, the tempera- tures registered max. deg. C, min. deg. C, and at two energetic females emerged from one stem for a short flight of less than a metre. They were followed soon after by three females from other stems, but all returned after re-orienting the sites of the nests; three others departed to harvest in the field. A male was observed to issue from one stem and depart. He did not return until 35 minutes later. The bees seldom flew at lower TORLTOA* RflVMtMT Fig. 2. 1. Dry branch with short lengths of Hydrangea stems tied on at convenient levels to attract the reed-bees Exoneura rufitarsis Raym. 2. Black sleeve over a stick, with a clear "window" for observation of the larvae. 3. A split stem with a nest is inserted at the base of a larger stem. They descend into the tube and re-emerge many times to sit in the warmth, preening themselves, exercising their wings and brushing the body. The first flight is merely of 30 or so centimetres, made with the head facing the doorway. Longer and longer flights are made successively, as the "map of the country" is plotted in the insect's brain. These experiments in orientation are repeated so often that the observer's patience is sorely tested. Unlike other wild-bees, the males of which never return to the "nest", and therefore have no need to memorise the way home, the male Exoneurae never desert the family; conse- quently, they are as meticulous as the females in orientating the site of the "nest". (Refer to "Larval Food".) The bees are certainly not nervous, suspicious or aggressive, for the observer may, with a very fine brush, actually guide the sunning bees back into the tube without causing them to take wing. They do not resent the author's close presence, and betray no interest whatever in the movements of th
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1914
