Karen Dunn illuminates the world of solitary bees
At the Melville Koppies Annual General Meeting, attendees were treated to an engaging presentation by Karen Dunn, who shared captivating insights into the world of solitary bees.
Attendees of the recent Melville Koppies Annual General Meeting (AGM) were captivated by the insights of Karen Dunn, a distinguished beekeeper, zoologist, and psychologist, who delivered an enlightening presentation on the often-overlooked world of solitary bees.
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Dunn began by highlighting a fascinating fact: while many are familiar with honey bees, they represent just two species among approximately 1 300 bee species inhabiting South Africa. She pointed out that solitary bees, which have evolved from wasps, possess distinctive characteristics that set them apart.
Describing them as: “Plumper, more curvaceous, and hairier than wasps,” Dunn explained that these features enable solitary bees to collect pollen more efficiently. Unlike their honey bee counterparts, which thrive in large colonies of 40 000 to 60 000 individuals, solitary bees lead a more independent existence.
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She reassured the audience that these bees do not sting and rely on the nectar and pollen from flowers to nurture their young. “On the nesting habits of solitary bees, approximately 70 percent of them burrow into the ground, while others make their homes in holes within wood, hollow stems of reeds, and sometimes even in abandoned furniture and fabric.”
She described their unique reproductive process: solitary bees lay their eggs inside these nests, lining them with a mixture of pollen and nectar before sealing the entrance. “Once hatched, the young bees feast on their carefully prepared pantry, eventually breaking free to embark on their own journeys.”
As the talk concluded, she also invited attendees to observe the emerging solitary bees, particularly on the tiny hyacinths sprouting from the arid ground. Her passionate presentation sparked a renewed appreciation for these essential pollinators, reminding the audience of the vital role they play in South Africa’s diverse ecosystem.
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