Aug 26, 2023
Willughby’s leafcutter bee (Megachile willughbiella), Staffordshire, England
‘I have a particular interest in the UK’s solitary bees and like to photograph the species that visit our Staffordshire garden. I had seen this male Willughby’s leafcutter bee looking out of a hole, but it kept retreating whenever I approached. They often pause to warm up at the entrance before flying off, so I waited, camera poised for the right moment. It eventually reappeared and I carefully framed the shot. At the last moment it cocked its head to one side to what I felt was a pleasing angle’
Photograph: Ed Phillips
British Wildlife Photography Awards
