Eons of earthly evolution erupts in enterprise

Of all of the life forms that live on our planet the most successful are the insects. They have thrived from well before dinosaurs roamed the landscape and still they are here ... thousands and thousands of species of them. Many live quite selfless lives in colonies that support each other to make sure that they thrive and continue and procreate. Some species lay down their lives to ensure the continuance of their brothers and sisters. Although small their strengths lie in their continued adaptability.

The leaf cutter bees, according to all of the text books I have consulted use mainly rose leaves with the occasional fuchsia to seal their small chambers. Last year I noticed one or two pieces taken from the 'butterfly bushes' or Buddleia ... but this year this has extended to Montbretia leaves. Montbretia has reed like leaves that are tough and difficult to break. They are coarse with rough ridges running down them and they contain a heavy thick vein in the middle. The bees have managed not only to chomp their circles around these thick leaves but also carry their extra heavy loads back to the insect house and adhere them to their chambers. What amazing adaptability this shows ... but why? There are plenty of rose bushes and fuchsias all over the garden. Why do they feel the need to test out a plant that is so different from the ones that they like to use? Could they have sensed something? Is climate change going to occur at a must faster rate than scientists have predicted? Oh ... if only they could talk!!!!

Perfectly cut by a leaf cutter bee - top picture is Buddleia picture below is Montbretia