Bees and Red Poppies: Unraveling the Mystery of the Unexpected Visitor

According to an article in the Irish Times' 'Eye on Nature' column, a reader observed a bumblebee inside a red poppy and questioned how this was possible, given that bees are known to be unable to perceive the color red.

Bee Vision: What Colors Can They See?

Bees have different colour receptors to humans. They are very sensitive to ultraviolet light. Bees do not see red the way we do. Instead, the red is reflecting other wave lengths that the bee can pick up on.

Why Visit a Red Poppy?

While bees don't perceive the color red, poppies have ultraviolet markings that they can see. These markings serve as a guide, leading them to the pollen and nectar.

Bumblebee inside a red poppy — A bumblebee foraging inside a red poppy. (Image: The Irish Times)

Other Topics Discussed by Eanna Ni Lamhna

The 'Eye on Nature' column also discussed topics such as the declining numbers of linnets and the presence of coots in UCD. These observations highlight the importance of monitoring and understanding the natural world around us.