On Gossamer Wings

May 12, 2009

"Gossamer" means something sheer, light and delicate, as in gossamer fabric.

 You can also apply it to the wings of a carpenter bee.

We captured this image of a male carpenter bee (Xylocopa tabaniformis) nectaring on lavender.

The wings look sheer, fragile and airy. Note the thorax brushed with pollen. 


By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Author - Communications specialist

Attached Images:

A male carpenter bee (Xylocopa tabaniformis) nectars on lavender. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

On Gossamer Wings