Bees on Cedrus Deodora

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by Buzzbee, Sep 1, 2006.

  1. Buzzbee

    Buzzbee Active Member

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    Our large Deodora finds itself alive with what appears to be bees?
    Not bumble or honey, same color though. Perhaps wild bees?
    Anyway they are not building a nest/hive in the tree, instead they appear to be flying into each branch, between the needles, then a few seconds later, they leave. Almost like gathering nectar,or taking something away .Is that possible from this species of tree?
    We have run our hands over the lower branches (where they are not present) and we do not feel anything sticky or even see what might resemble a nectar.

    Any suggestions. They are not causing a problem to anyone we are just curious.
    Thanks
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Wasps are often seen searching trees and shrubs for food.
     
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    If there were any aphids on the tree, they might be collecting honeydew (aphid excreta, very sugary). Bees often do this with honeydew on pines ('pine honey' is a delicacy in parts of the Mediterranean).

    Otherwise, I don't know if there's any possibility they are collecting wax off the needles to supplement their beeswax production - but I've never heard of bees doing this.
     
  4. Buzzbee

    Buzzbee Active Member

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    we have looked the lower branches over for aphids (even with a magnifying glass) and cannot see any. We have noticed the bees are also on our neighbours emerald pyramidal cedars but not on our thuja plicata.?? He has looked over his trees and cannot see anything that would resemble an aphid/spider mite/moth/egg or other. The branches or twig like arms do not have anything sticky to the touch. Would a picture help??
    Thanks
    Buzz
     
  5. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Can you do a close-up of the bees?
     
  6. LPN

    LPN Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Wasps ... AKA, Yellow Jackets.
     
  7. Buzzbee

    Buzzbee Active Member

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    they are definitely not Wasps. We just had a "Expert" walking by stop and tell us they are wild bees. (Said he has spent years working in the field of pest management) Could not offer any explanation as to what they are looking for.
     
  8. Buzzbee

    Buzzbee Active Member

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    Further update. The bees have departed, Only hung around til mid August and we have now discovered that indeed wasps have had several nests in the neighbours eaves, so now that they have been taken care of, things will be quiet for awhile.

    Still trying to establish what kind of bees they were, we know the wasps were mud wasps. (stripped the top layer of wood off the flag pole to make their nests, crafty little beasts)
     

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