Teddy Bear Bees
Typically more significant in size than European honey bees, the teddy bear bee has a golden brown color and is between 15 and 20 mm in length. All save the black stripes across their bellies—which are bare—are covered in shiny brown hairs. Their wings are a dark brown, and their antennae are around shoulder length.
They like to make their homes in little tunnels dug into the ground, or eroded bank faces, and they live alone or close to other teddy bear bees. Teddy bear bees have a richer golden color than the invasive European bumblebee that may also be found in Tasmania.
Appearance
They have three distinct parts that make up their bodies: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They have two sets of wings in addition to their six legs. Their two antennae are used to touch and smell, and their mandibles are used for biting, handling pollen and wax, and smelling. They have two antennae on each side of their head. They have two complex eyes and three eyes that are simple.
The Teddy Bear bee is golden brown with darker brown bands on its abdomen, and it is sometimes confused for a Bumble Bee, even though there are no Bumble Bees on the continent of Australia. They are more significant than the Blue Banded bee, reaching a length of up to 18 mm and having a stocky, rotund appearance. They develop a dark bald patch on the top of their thorax as they age because the hair on that area of their body wears out over time. The female has black facial markings.
Life Cycle
Unlike the Honey Bee, Teddy Bear bees are solitary. Solitary native bees do not produce honey and giant hives. Some natural plants store pollen and create flame for winter. At least 90% of plants reproduce via pollination by bees.
Since most bees are solitary, their life cycles may vary. Take red mason bees. Males survive two weeks and females six.
The female must mate, establish a nest for her brood, and gather pollen and nectar throughout this period. Since most bees are solitary, their lifecycles may vary. Take red mason bees.
Males survive two weeks, females six. The female must mate, establish a nest for her brood, and gather pollen and nectar throughout this period.
Prevention
Teddy bear bees are harmless creatures that sometimes defend their nest with a sting. However, they may be dangerous if you walk on their nest or attempt to remove them yourself. That’s why it’s wise to contact a professional beekeeper to get safely rid of them.