Inflorescence of Justicia betonica: Cloak-and-dagger Bee (Thyreus sp.)

 

Inflorescence of Justicia betonica
Acanthaceae
Lamiales

Cloak-and-dagger Bee (Thyreus sp.)

The spots where the bee lands at are where the flowers are, while the overlapping green-striped cream/pale green leaf-like structures are called bracts (modified leaves). Its genus epithet 'Justicia' is an eponym, named after James Justice, a horticulturist from Scotland (1730-1763).

Bees of the genus Thyreus are also known as cuckoo bees as they evolved brood parasitism behaviour - laying their eggs in nests of other bees. After which the cuckoo bee larvae hatches to feed on the pollen collected by the host bee and kills the host larvae

References:

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/1/2155
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuckoo_bee
https://www.wildcreatureshongkong.org/single-post/digger-bees-cloak-and-dagger-bees-thyreus-himalayensis