Previously we noticed a native population of leaf cutter bees that seemed to prefer certain roses and other plants.
The crepe myrtle is a favorite and is in full bloom. We observed dozens of bees visiting the blooms and noticed lots of 'cut' leaves.
We decided to see if we could 'attract' the native leaf cutters by putting out a habitat that we had sprayed with Crown Bees "InvitaBee":
We used the habitat that was previously at Site1a2c that had not demonstrated any activity. It was in full sun at that location. We put it close to the crepe myrtle tree, but on an west facing wall.
The "InvitaBee" kit includes five tubes which we added to the habitat.
We updated the Site map to include the new Site1a2f:
New Site1a2f in middle, left while the 'replaced' Site1a2c is upper, right. You can see the crepe myrtle notation just 'above' the '1a2f' red box.
We noticed that there was late morning sun hitting the habitat so we added sunshade:
As of 2 pm, we noted a temperature of 106 deg F at Site1a2f versus the full shade, patio of 100 deg F and the full, shade Site1a2d at 99 deg F. We may add a secondary shade after monitoring afternoon temperatures.
To monitor temperature and humidity, we moved the data logger from Site1a2e to this new site. Here's a "history' of the data logger placements:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>18 June 2019 Update<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
We did have to add a "secondary" sun shade as the habitat was getting mid-afternoon sun and late morning sun.
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