Blue-banded Bees of Jurong Lake Gardens
Sunda Blue-banded Digger Bee
 Photo credit: Zestin Soh (NParks) |
| Scientific name: | Amegilla andrewsi |
| Common name: | Sunda Blue-banded Digger Bee |
| Family: | Apidae |
 9–14 mm |
What does it look like?
Its abdomen is striped with alternating brilliant blue and black bands and has orange brown hair covering its thorax. Despite its speedy flight, its vibrant blue bands are easily recognisable.
Behaviour and Ecology
Blue-banded Digger Bees are solitary bees that have the ability to buzz pollinate flowers. Clinging onto the flower’s anthers, the bee vibrates its body at a particular frequency that causes pollen from the flower to be released. They nest in the ground, particularly in clayey soil. In urban environments, they are known to use man-made surfaces such as mortar between bricks and concrete as nests instead.
You will rarely ever get stung from this species as they are shy and docile creatures. Their presence is a welcome sight in our parks and gardens.
