Bees are the unsung heroes of our planet. Dive deep into the life, habits, and challenges these incredible pollinators face. From their intricate dances to their vital role in our food chain, there’s so much to uncover.
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 …
Is A Bee’s Sting Acidic Or Alkaline? (Sting Chemistry Explained) Read More »
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 …
Why Is Honeycomb Hexagonal (Hive Architecture Explained) Read More »
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 …
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 …
Do Spiders Eat Bees? (Fearsome Insect Predators) Read More »
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 …
How Crab Spiders Attract Bees: UV Light Reflection Explained Read More »
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: …
Osmia Bicornis: The Red Mason Bee, Nature’s Master Builder Read More »
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 …
Anthophora retusa: The Potter Flower Bee Unearthed Read More »
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 special? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Golden Northern …
The Golden Northern Bumblebee: Bombus Fervidus Unveiled Read More »
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 …
Unveiling the Mysteries of Andrena Cineraria: The Ashy Mining Bee Read More »
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 …
Meet Eucera Longicornis: The Long-Horned Bee with a Tale to Tell Read More »
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 …
The Rarest Bees in Britain: A Closer Look at These Buzzing Treasures Read More »
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: …
The Tawny Mining Bee: A Subterranean Marvel in a Velvet Coat Read More »
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 …
The Small Scissor Bee: Nature’s Delicate Engineer Read More »
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 …
The Brown-Banded Carder Bee: Nature’s Earth-Toned Artisan Read More »
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 …
The Moss Carder Bee: Nature’s Fuzzy Green Architect Read More »
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 …
Why Do Bees Kill Their Queen? Dethroning A Queen Bee Read More »
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 …
Can Bees Call For Help? How Bees Use Pheromones For Defence Read More »
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 …
The Hairy-Footed Flower Bee: Nature’s Furry Acrobat Read More »
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 Red-Shanked Carder Bee: Nature’s Fuzzy Red Gem Read More »
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 …
Can Bees Bond With Humans & Do Bees Recognise You? Read More »
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 …
When you think of bees, the image that often comes to mind is the classic black and yellow striped honeybee. But the world of bees is vast and diverse, and among its many wonders is the Amegilla cingulata, more commonly known as the Blue-Banded Bee. This striking bee is not just a pretty face; it …
The Blue-Banded Bee: A Dazzling Dancer of the Skies Read More »
Bombus Pascuorum, also known as the Common Carder Bee, is one of the most frequently seen bumblebees in the UK. With its distinctive ginger hair, it is easily recognizable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, meadows, pastures, waste ground, ditches, embankments, roads, and field margins, as well as forests …
The world of bees is vast and diverse, with thousands of species buzzing around our planet. One such fascinating species is the Bombus Rupestris, commonly known as the Red-Tailed Cuckoo Bee. This guide will delve deep into the life of this bee, helping you identify and understand its unique characteristics. 1. Introduction The Red-Tailed Cuckoo …
The Red-Tailed Cuckoo Bee: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
Yes, bees have an exceptional sense of smell. They use their antennae’s many smell receptors to locate flowers, communicate through pheromones, and distinguish between hive members. Bees can detect smells from far and wide, and it’s a critical part of how they survive and thrive in the world. Let’s dive deeply into the undergrowth to …
Can Bees Smell? (Scent & Bees Sense Of Smell Explained) Read More »
Ever wondered about that bumblebee with the striking red tail? Meet Bombus Lapidarius, commonly known as the Red-Tailed Bumblebee. The buzzing world of bumbles is vast and varied, with over 20,000 known species but the Bombus Lapidarius stands out with its distinctive appearance and behaviour. This buzzing beauty is more than just a pretty face; it …
Bees are well known for their painful stings, but did you know bees can bite as well? Yes, bees are equipped with a powerful bite that, while rarely used, is still an effective deterrent to potential predators. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bees to learn more about bee bites and why they happen. …
Honey, the liquid gold bees tirelessly craft, is central to their survival. It’s their lifeline, their winter blanket, and their energy drink. But, intriguingly, this essence of their existence might be harming them simultaneously. *Important note – Feeding a wild bee honey you’ve purchased can introduce nasty diseases and parasites to an otherwise healthy colony …
Why Is Honey Bad For Bees? (The Surprising Truth) Read More »
Yes, wasps are attracted to bees and their nests because they see them as a food source. From sweet honey to bee larvae, it’s a calorie-rich reward for any wasps that can successfully invade a hive. But that’s not the whole story. For the most part, bees and wasps get along in relative peace in …
No, bees will attack and kill other insects but won’t eat them. Nearly all bees consume a diet of nectar and pollen that they gather from local flowers. But some bees have opted for a more carnivorous path, and others have learnt to harvest insects with ingenious methods. Let’s jump into the question: Why do …
Do Bees Eat Other Insects? A Common Misconception Read More »
Bees spend their days buzzing from flower to flower, searching for precious resources. But how do they collect and carry all the nectar they need? Click here if you’d prefer to watch the video At Revive a Bee, we’re passionate about making the fascinating world of bees accessible for everyone with simple guides on the …
How Bees Collect and Carry Nectar: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
Yes, bees can and will sting other bees; whether defence or attack, they’re not afraid to turn their barbed stingers on their own species. But what leads a bee to sting another bee, and what happens to the bee afterwards? Let’s look closer at the deadly side of an intra-species conflict and get the full …
Believe it or not, up to 70% of bee species live underground! While most of us think of nests hanging in trees, thousands of species of bees live a completely different life. Let’s meet some species of bees that make subterranean burrows their home and learn more about their fascinating lives. Miner Bees As its …
Which Bees Live In The Ground? (5 Ground Nesting Bees) Read More »
Bees use a combination of techniques to defend themselves from predators, including: Now let’s take a closer look at how each is deployed to fend off larger insects and predators. Stinging Defense Bees are armed with a formidable weapon, their stinging mechanism. A modified ovipositor female bees use for egg-laying is located at the posterior …
How Do Bees Defend Themselves? (A Fascinating Guide) Read More »
Yes, bees poop, poo, and defecate, just like us humans; it’s an essential bodily function for removing waste from the body. Now we know the simple answer, let’s dive into the fascinating world of bees and their ingenious waste management methods. How Do Bees Poo? Like us, defecating is essential to bee life, but it …
Want a quick breakdown of what bees eat on a day-to-day basis? Most bee’s diets consist of nectar and pollen. Nectar provides a valuable source of carbohydrates, while pollen gives bees all the protein they need to grow and thrive. That’s the simple answer, but there’s so much more to discover about how these interesting …
Are you seeking simple and effective ways to keep bees at a respectful distance without causing them any harm? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll find actionable steps to help you enjoy the outdoors and coexist with our buzzing friends. Let’s dive straight into our list of tips to keep …
How To Keep Bees Away Without Hurting Them – A Simple Guide Read More »
No, only female bees are capable of stinging, and even among female bees, only bees from the honey bee, bumble bee and solitary bee families sting when threatened. Which bees sting? – Honeybee, Bumblebee, Africanized Honeybee, Carpenter Bee, Sweat Bee, Mason Bee Which bees don’t sting? – Male bees of any species (Drones), Stingless bees …
A dying bee may have tattered wings and can be seen writhing on the ground. A tired bee, on the other hand, may appear slower and more lethargic but will still have intact wings and respond to external stimuli. *Important tip – If you’re not sure if your bee is dying or tired the best …
There are a tonne of books about bees available if you’re interested in learning more and reading about them. These books cover everything from their biology and behaviours to the dangers they face and how we can protect them. Understanding bee behaviours and the difficulties they experience is fundamental to our survival because bees are …
Read About Bees: 36 Books about Bees Available on Amazon Read More »
