Image: Amegilla bees and Dianella tarda - Norm Stimson
The threatened Dianella tarda plant opens its flowers only in the late afternoon (presumably a competitive strategy). Like clockwork, Dianellas' natural pollinator, the native Amegilla or Blue-banded Bee, appears at the same time. Dianella stamens are 'buzz-tuned' to the frequency of Amegillas' wings, allowing maximum pollen expulsion during each visit of only one or two seconds per flower. A truly amazing and captivating symbiosis!
Finalist, Professional Category, Up Close & Spineless 2009
- Photographer:
- Norm Stimson
- Rights:
- © Norm Stimson
Last Updated:
Tags up close and spineless, finalists, 2009, professional category,