DSC_1118 Maori masked bee (Hylaeus relegatus) on the tip of an unopened flowerbud of of the native mistletoe (Peraxilla). A related species (H.agilis) has been observed opening Peraxilla flowers. They look more like their wasp ancestors, and unlike other bees which carry pollen in baskets on their hairy hind legs, female Hylaeus bees are sparsly haired, and carry pollen internally. Waipori Gorge *
DSC_1122 Maori masked bee (Hylaeus relegatus) on the tip of an unopened flowerbud of the native mistletoe (Peraxilla). A related species (H.agilis) has been observed opening Peraxilla flowers. They look more like their wasp ancestors, and unlike other bees which carry pollen in baskets on their hairy hind legs, female Hylaeus bees are sparsly haired, and carry pollen internally. Waipori Gorge *
11005-14504 Brown centipede (Lithobius forficatus) a common European centipede introduced into NZ. Found in the upper layers of the soil, under rocks and rotting logs. Readily identified by its reaction to being revealed, which is to run extremely quickly for cover, whereas the large native centipede (Cormocephalus rubriceps), tends to just 'sit'. Broad Bay, Dunedin *