Domino Coukoo Bee Thyreus lugubris

By: Michael Fox

Bored being stuck at home?

Explore your backyard looking for  some of the 2,000 plus species of solitary native bees, or just admire the many butterflies that have appeared since the rain.

I found this cute and well named Domino Coukoo Bee Thyreus lugubris at my home. This find brings the count of solitary native bees found in Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve.

Solitary native bees do not form colonies or produce honey. The females create a nest in hollows (Borders), make a nest in the ground (Burrowers) or chew a hollow in soft wood like Lantana stems (Borers).

The female bee then pack the nest with a pollen/nectar food mix then lay their eggs. In spring the next generation of bees emerge to pollinate our gardens.

Take a break to explore your garden and report your findings with the iNaturalist App on your smart phone.