Bees

Bees drink water using their proboscis. The same long straw-like appendage they use to suck up nectar from flowers. Honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees need water to stay hydrated. So where do bees find water, and why do they prefer ‘dirty water’? Finding A Water Source Bees can find water in the most […]

Bees often sport a charmingly fluffy appearance. This fluffiness is due to the numerous fine hairs covering their bodies.  These hairs range from the short and bristly to the long and soft, giving bees their characteristic fuzzy look. But the hair on a bee’s body isn’t just for show; it serves as a helpful aid

As the chill of winter descends, our buzzing friends, the bees, face a significant challenge. While we’ve long believed that thin-walled beehives and huddling were sufficient for their survival, recent research tells a different story. A recent study revealed that huddling is a desperate attempt for survival. This insight prompts us to rethink beehive designs, ensuring our

Guard bees are the frontline defence of any bee colony. They assess every visitor approaching the hive or nest. How do these bees identify friends from foes, and what kinds of unwanted guests do these bees have to look out for? From friend to intruder, let’s see how guard bees fit into the hive and

Nurse bees are young female honeybees tasked with caring for the eggs and feeding the young larvae in the hive.  It’s one of several roles a worker bee will carry out, essential for the next generation’s success. From brood to bee, we look at nurse bees’ fascinating role in a honey bee colony. The Lifecycle

Bees in a chimney can be anything from a minor nuisance to a life-threatening risk if you or your family are allergic. Honey bees swarm in early spring through to summer. They leave their current hive in search of a new home. This is the perfect guide if they’ve taken shelter in your chimney or

Bee stings are acidic. They sit between 4.5 and 5.5 on the pH scale. All female honey bees are equipped with a sting and will use it as a defence if forced to. When it comes to humans, it’s normally an accidental sting, but it can be a painful experience and even life-threatening if you’re

No, there is no such thing as a king bee. A queen bee rules over honey bees and bumble bees. Male bees are purely there to mate, and some pay for it with their life. But why no king? Let’s take a closer look at bees and how they organise their colonies, with female bees

Scout bees are mature female honey bees that help to direct the swarm to a new home. They’re elite foragers with a good understanding of the local area and excellent flying skills. But finding a new nest site isn’t easy. They must search, return and communicate their findings for the colony’s survival. We’ll fly alongside

Drones are the male bees of the hive. Their sole job is to mate with a queen and pass on their genetics to the next generation of bees. But the life of a drone isn’t a long one. From the hive to a mating flight, their life is full of danger. Let’s join the often-overlooked male

The queen is the head of the colony. She controls everything from laying new eggs to orchestrating swarming events. But the life of a queen bee isn’t without danger. From predators to her kin, her days are always numbered. Let’s enter the hive alongside royalty to see how these queens rule their hives and navigate

Honey bees are vital players in the tapestry of life that sustains us all. These buzzing insects are champions of pollination, helping plants to reproduce and produce the fruits and vegetables we eat every day.  But within the bustling world of the bee hive, a complex society thrives, each bee born into a role that

Honeycomb is up there with some of nature’s finest creations. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some, or you’re a beekeeper with some to spare, you’re in the perfect spot. We’ve got all sorts of delicious and creative ideas for you! Let’s dive straight into our tips with some mouth-watering uses for

It is a marvel of nature and a testament to the ingenuity of honey bees. But have you ever stopped to wonder why honeycombs are hexagonal? Why not squares, circles, or some other shape? Let’s delve into the science and mathematics behind this fascinating phenomenon. Why Do Bees Make Honeycomb In Hexagons? Bees are all

Honeycomb is a waxy structure honey bees make to store honey, pollen, and larvae. It’s made of hexagonal cells that are a bit of an anomaly in the natural world.  But it’s so much more than that. From its delicious taste to its starling health benefits, it’s one of nature’s most amazing foods. Click here

Ah, the medieval times! A period when spells and charms were the go-to solutions for life’s little problems. Among these were “metrical charms,” a blend of herbal medicine, prayer, and ritual. These charms tackled everything from barren lands to lost cattle. But let’s zoom in on one that’s particularly buzzing: “For a Swarm of Bees.”

Yes, some spiders do eat bees. Orb-weavers, jumping, wolf and crab spiders will all hunt and consume any unfortunate bees that cross their path. Arachnids are some of the most adept predators in your garden, employing a whole range of tactics to catch and kill their prey. Let’s look at what happens when bees draw

When you think of ambush predators, you might imagine a creature lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. But some spiders flip the script. Instead of hiding, they make themselves—and the flowers they sit on—impossible to ignore. Meet the crab spiders, the UV-reflecting stars of the ambush world. They’ve evolved this

Honey, that golden elixir of nature, is not just a sweet treat but a complex substance with numerous health benefits. However, the market is rife with fakes and low-quality products. The UK government has taken a significant step to combat this issue by introducing a new protocol for the collection of honey reference samples. This

In a twist of events that could only be described as extraordinary, two women in Kitengela, Kajiado County, found themselves on the receiving end of a swarm of bees. The reason? Allegedly stealing a substantial amount of money from another woman. But this was no ordinary act of nature; it was a calculated move, orchestrated

When it comes to the world of bees, the Red Mason Bee, or Osmia Bicornis, is a standout character. This bee is a master architect, crafting intricate nests that are a marvel of natural engineering. But what else makes this bee so special? Let’s dive into the captivating world of the Red Mason Bee. Appearance:

When it comes to the bee world, the Potter Flower Bee, scientifically known as Anthophora retusa, is a bit of a Renaissance bee. Not only is it a master of foraging, but it’s also an adept builder, crafting intricate nests that would make any potter proud. Intrigued? Let’s delve into the captivating world of the

Meet the Golden Northern Bumblebee, or Bombus Fervidus if you’re into the whole Latin thing. This bee is a golden wonder, buzzing around with a sense of purpose and a coat that’s as vibrant as a summer’s day. But what makes this bee so unique? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Golden Northern

Ah, the Ashy Mining Bee, or Andrena Cineraria as it’s known in the scientific community. This bee is a stunner, with its smoky-grey hairs and contrasting orange legs. But there’s more to this bee than just its good looks. Let’s dig deeper into the life and times of the Ashy Mining Bee. Appearance: A Smoky

Buzz, buzz! The Center for Biological Diversity is taking a stand, and it’s all about bees. They’ve officially announced their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Why? Because they believe the agency is slacking off when it comes to protecting four endangered bee species, including the American bumblebee. Let’s dive into the

When it comes to bees, the Long-Horned Bee, scientifically known as Eucera Longicornis, is a standout character. With its distinctive long antennae and unique behaviour, this bee is a fascinating subject for both amateur naturalists and seasoned entomologists. Let’s delve into the captivating world of the Long-Horned Bee. Appearance: The Antennae Steal the Show First

It’s been discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees have developed an effective strategy to fend off Asian hornets. When under attack, buff-tailed bumblebees drop to the ground, causing the hornet to either lose its grip or engage in a struggle until the hornet gives up. Researchers at the University of Exeter observed over 120 such encounters and

Can bees see in the dark? Well, hold on to your beekeeper hats, folks! A groundbreaking study has unveiled that some bees, like the Asian giant honeybee, have developed the ability to see colours in dim light, while others may have held this superpower for longer than we’ve known. Yep, you read that right –

When it comes to bees, Britain is a buzzing hotspot of diversity. However, not all bees are thriving; some are teetering on the brink of extinction. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest bees in Britain, their unique characteristics, and the challenges they face. Here’s a simple numbered list of some of the

In the fascinating realm of bees, the Andrena fulva, commonly known as the Tawny Mining Bee, is a true underground artist. With its striking appearance and unique nesting habits, this bee is a living testament to the wonders of adaptation and survival. Let’s dig deep into the captivating world of the Tawny Mining Bee. Appearance:

In a world where conventional medicine often falls short, some are turning to unconventional therapies to find relief. One such alternative is bee sting therapy, a practice that has been around for centuries but is now gaining renewed attention. Two women, Prezleigh Colburn and Ellie Lobel, have become the faces of this controversial treatment, claiming

Looking for the perfect bee gift set for someone who loves bees? Look no further than our list of the best bee gift set ideas. Whether they’re a beekeeper, a nature enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of these important pollinators, we’ve got you covered. Best Bee Gifts for Women, Men, Children and Bee Lovers Looking

Bees are struggling to pollinate! Pollinators such as bees, insects, and butterflies play an important role in maintaining the health and productivity of ecosystems. In fact, 75% of crops grown around the world for human consumption are reliant, at least in part, on pollinators. Unfortunately, bee populations are under pressure due to factors such as

Bee-killing pesticides are a serious threat to the survival of pollinators and the health of the wider environment. Pollinators, the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, are facing a dire situation. The culprits? Pesticides, particularly those lethal to bees. Let’s dive into the alarming findings about the presence of these chemicals being found in our English

In the vast and varied world of bees, the Chelostoma campanularum, commonly known as the Small Scissor Bee, is a miniature marvel. This bee, with its delicate features and intriguing habits, showcases the intricate wonders of the natural world. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the Small Scissor Bee. Appearance: A

In the diverse tapestry of bees, the Bombus humilis, commonly known as the Brown-Banded Carder Bee, holds a special place with its earthy hues and intriguing habits. This bee is not merely a buzzing insect; it’s a living testament to the wonders of nature’s palette and design. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the

In the intricate world of bees, the Bombus muscorum, or the Moss Carder Bee, stands out with its unique appearance and fascinating habits. This bee is not just another member of the buzzing community; it’s a testament to the wonders of evolution and adaptation. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of the

Did you know worker bees can turn on their queen and commit treason? The matriarch is the most prized colony member, so why would the hive’s inhabitants turn on their ruler? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bees to find out why these normally calm insects decide to overthrow their queen and why it

Yes, on rare occasions, honey bees can join another hive. This phenomenon is called ‘drifting’. Bees will land at the entrance to another hive and try to gain entry past the vigilant guard bees. But it’s not as simple as simply walking in. If they don’t behave precisely, they’ll be violently ejected or, worse, killed.

If you’ve ever seen bees attack on mass, you’ve probably wondered how they organise such a terrifying display. Well, it turns out that honey bees have developed a fantastic system to call for help and rally the hive’s inhabitants into battle. Let’s dive into the world of bees to find out exactly how bees call

In the vast, buzzing realm of bees, the Anthophora plumipes, commonly known as the Hairy-Footed Flower Bee, is a standout character. With its unique appearance and intriguing habits, this bee is a testament to the wonders of the natural world. Let’s dive deep into the captivating life of the Hairy-Footed Flower Bee. Appearance: A Furry

Asian hornets have been sighted in record numbers in the UK, causing concern for the native bee populations. These invasive species are a threat to the environment and bee colonies, as they feed on honeybees and other beneficial insects. The hornets, which have a darker abdomen, orange faces, and yellow-tipped legs, have been spotted in

Bees are nature’s unsung heroes, and among them, the Shrill Carder Bee, Bombus Sylvarum, stands out as a fascinating species. This bee, with its unique appearance and behaviour, is a gem in the world of pollinators. Let’s dive deep into the world of the Shrill Carder Bee and discover what makes it so special. Appearance:

In the vast world of bees, where each species has its own tale to tell, the Bombus ruderarius, or the Red-Shanked Carder Bee, stands out with its distinctive appearance and intriguing habits. This bee is not just another buzzing insect; it’s a testament to the wonders of nature. Let’s embark on a journey to discover

The world of bees is filled with wonder, and among the myriad of species, the Mourning Bee, or Melecta Albifrons, holds its own unique place. With its distinct appearance and behaviour, this bee is a marvel to observe. In this guide, we’ll explore the captivating world of the Mourning Bee, aiding you in identifying and

The unconventional idea of bees as pets might initially raise eyebrows. After all, when we think of pets, we often picture furry friends who curl up on our laps, not buzzing insects that flit from flower to flower. But there’s a growing community of individuals that have started to try and make bees their pets. 

No, you won’t build a lifelong friendship with a bee you’ve just met. But beekeepers form a sort of bond with their bees, which is incredible. So how do these tiny insects work out one human from the other? Let’s buzz into the world of bees to learn more about their amazing feats of perception

Bees. They’re not just the buzzing creatures that occasionally interrupt our picnics. They’re the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, the tiny workers that play a colossal role in the food we eat and the air we breathe. But today, they’re under threat, and we have the power to change that. Click here if you’d prefer

No, bees can’t swim like we do, but they can use their wings as hydrofoils and ‘surface swim’ to reach the closest dry land. This is incredibly energy-intensive, so it needs to get to safety as quickly as possible before it gets too tired or water-logged. You heard right; bees can travel across short distances