Bee angle, south africa
Serapista species , Unknown Pillow Bee, collected in South Africa by Laurence Packer
The zebra-like markings on this bee are diagnostic, the white stripes are formed from blade like brilliant white hairs that are particularly beautiful when viewed under high magnification. This genus forms a small group of four species found only in Africa. They form their nests from loose, fluffy masses of plant fibers and sometimes animal hairs which they attach to plant stems. The whole structure appears vaguely like a cotton boll. The brood cells are made inside this ball of fluff and the larvae develop as if inside a pillow. In the national museum of Kenya, there is a nest of one of these bees from which an entire brood emerged. The poor mother’s entire clutch of sons and daughters was added to the museum collection.
Further in Summer than the Birds
Pathetic from the Grass
A minor Nation celebrates
Its unobtrusive Mass.
No Ordinance be seen
So gradual the Grace
A pensive Custom it becomes
Enlarging Loneliness.
Antiquest felt at Noon
When August burning low
Arise this spectral Canticle
Repose to typify
Remit as yet no Grace
No Furrow on the Glow
Yet a Druidic Difference
Enhances Nature now
-- Emily Dickinson. Original public domain image from Flickr