Rare 'Blue Bee' Sighted in Shiga's Kōnan City

Aug 16, 2024 | News On Japan

Shiga, Aug 16, 2024 (News On Japan) - A rare blue bee, believed to bring happiness, has been spotted at a local temple in Kōnan City, Shiga Prefecture. The bee, known as the 'Blue Bee' or Lulimonhanabachi (Amegilla quadrifasciata), is characterized by its black body and striking blue stripes.

Measuring about 1.5 centimeters in length, this bee belongs to the Apidae family. The Blue Bee was first observed at Chōjū-ji Temple in 2021, and it has been seen again this year, buzzing around the yellow cosmos flowers in search of nectar.

The Blue Bee is found across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, but its rarity has led to its designation as an endangered species in Kyoto Prefecture, furthering its reputation as the “Blue Bee of Happiness.”

A visitor to the temple remarked, "Watching the bee makes me feel incredibly calm and brings a sense of happiness."

Chōjū-ji's chief priest, Ryōdō Fujiki, noted, "Compared to last year, there are significantly more bees—often three or four flying together. I hope people come, see them, and take home a little bit of happiness."

The Blue Bee is expected to be visible until late September.

Source: YOMIURI

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