View Full Version : Interesting but unimportant observation
I've noticed that if I put out a black plate an a white plate both filled with water, the large majority of my girls will go to the black plate. It's not the location because I've switched them and they change course and go to the black plate. What's that about?
SweetBettyBees
08-04-2006, 06:17 AM
Perhaps the black background gives the appearance of a naturally occuring water source?
Steve C
08-04-2006, 07:34 AM
I may try this also.... My girls have found my pool and my wife gets crazy when they buzz her...
How close are you putting it.... I put a red bucket about 2 foot from the hive with a wood float in it... Hoefully the take to it over the pool....
Ive not had any bee drowning yet...
I put plates on the ground just outside the hives because although they have a water source that they love about 100 feet away in the wildflower meadow, but they've recently found the chicken waterer (black platic) and I'm trying to divert them.
Dick Allen
08-04-2006, 10:09 AM
I'd suspect the black plate contrasts more with the surroundings than the white plate does--and the bees see it better.
BULLSEYE BILL
08-04-2006, 03:00 PM
The black plate is probably warmer on their little feet.
Buzz V
08-04-2006, 03:06 PM
I agree with Bullseye Bill.
Experiments with bumblebees has shown that they seek out warmer sources of nectar. As they draw energy from the warm flowers, they end up using less of their own energy.
BresslerG
08-04-2006, 03:42 PM
One of my co-workers mentioned that her black car is covered in yellow jackets every day, but they leave her hubby's primer gray jeep alone. Is that why they suggest you wear white or light colored clothing when you work with the bees?
drobbins
08-04-2006, 04:07 PM
Steve
apparently, bees can't see red
I don't know if this would make your bucket more or less attractive but I'd guess less
if it doesn't work don't give up
try another color
Dave
iddee
08-04-2006, 04:45 PM
BresslerG
Yes, a white suit smooth suit is used because a black or fuzzy suit will attract them to you in a way that will not make you happy.
merops_apiaster
08-04-2006, 04:48 PM
I have a pair of carafes together. One black, the other white. I can´t see any preference.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7746/dsc07771kf8.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9060/dsc07772vg2.jpg
merops_apiaster
08-04-2006, 04:50 PM
Como borro yo esto que me ha salido triplicado!!!!!!!
[ August 04, 2006, 05:54 PM: Message edited by: merops_apiaster ]
merops_apiaster
08-04-2006, 04:51 PM
By the way...
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7983/dsc07859xb9.jpg
When my bees are happy, I am happy too. They enjoy the natural cork as I enjoy the beach.
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1661/dsc07628oy9.jpg
[ August 05, 2006, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: merops_apiaster ]
Michael Bush
08-05-2006, 09:39 AM
http://www.beesource.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006774
Coyote has posted a study that says bumble bees prefer WARMER nectar. I'd say that's the most likely reason.
And here I've been running the water through the hose until it runs cool before I put it in the waterer! From now on, I'll use the hot stuff that's been sitting in the hose.
merops_apiaster
08-06-2006, 12:37 AM
The study posted by Coyote is interesting. "Darker colored, warmer flowers", so, darker colored, more visited by the bees.
Similar premise is applied by Nature in the North Pole "darker colored, warmer bodies", and the animals that have to be white, like bears or young seal, have black nose.
Being Nature wise, why are not the flowers black or brown instead of white, yellow, pink,...clear colored, if flowers and bees have been working together during millions of years?