The two beauties in the photo on top are adult large carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.). The passion flower they are feeding on seemed to be a popular spot with them. A couple was flying in and out.
I mounted the MCEX-11 macro extension to be used with my 35mm lens, which meant I had to get relatively close to the two bees and the flower. With some insects, this can be a bit hairy, but these two seemed rather docile and more interested in the food than me encroaching a bit on their space.
The photo below shows one of them covered in pollen. Her friend is in the background digging into another section of the flower.
Large Carpenter Bee Covered in Pollen
Fujifilm X-E1 | Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 XF R | 35mm (53mm) | 1/600 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 400
Fujifilm X-E1 | Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 XF R | 35mm (53mm) | 1/600 sec | f/5.6 | ISO 400
