The Honey and the Ivy
This is a game called “Honey or Ivy”.
How to play:
spot a bee on an ivy flower
identify it as a honey bee or an ivy bee
The winner is the person who identifies the bee correctly.
The key information you need to be able to play and win this game is: (i) ivy bees exist; (ii) ivy bees like ivy; (iii) honey bees like ivy too; (iv) ivy bees and honey bees look a lot alike but ivy bees have sharper stripes.
So, let’s play (click the photos to expand):
Q. Honey or Ivy?
A. She’s a Honey bee.
Q. Honey or Ivy?
A. She’s an Ivy bee.
Well done. Now try these:
Answers: 1) Honey; 2) Ivy, Ivy, Ivy; 3) Honey; 4) Honey; 5) Ivy, Ivy; 6) Wasp! 7) Ivy; Ivy; 8) Honey; 9) Ivy; Comma. Award yourself a bonus point if you got the, butterfly.
The apiary has masses of ivy, which is wonderful. It’s popular with the hornets too. I’m not sure whether they use it as a hunting ground or whether they like the pollen/nectar too. Maybe both.
Is it any wonder I want to spend all day in the apiary?
Immerse yourself: