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.
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 buzzing orchestra of bees, the Bombus Lucorum, or the White-Tailed Bumblebee, plays a significant role. This bee, with its vibrant bands and pure white tail, is a familiar sight in gardens and meadows across the United Kingdom. Let’s delve into the captivating world of the White-Tailed Bumblebee. Appearance: A Symphony of Colors The …
The White-Tailed Bumblebee: A Buzzing Symphony in Yellow and White 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 »
The buzzing world of bees is vast and varied, with over 20,000 known species. Among these, the Red-Tailed Bumblebee, scientifically known as Bombus Lapidarius, stands out with its distinctive appearance and behaviour. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the life of this fascinating bee, helping you identify and appreciate its unique characteristics. 1. Appearance: What …
The Red-Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus Lapidarius): A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
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 to enjoy the outdoors and coexist with our buzzing friends. Let’s dive straight into our list of tips to …
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. This may seem like a basic bee fact but the truth is much more complex. So with the short answer out the way, let’s take a closer …
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 »
Bees face a number of natural predators in their nests and on their foraging trips. From birds and mammals to insects and arachnids, there’s really no end to the potential dangers and predators that bees might come across. As gardeners and nature enthusiasts, it’s fascinating to understand the complex relationships between bees and their predators …
Bees are essential pollinators that play a crucial role in maintaining our ecosystem’s balance but they aren’t free from danger. Unfortunately, these fuzzy flyers are also a favourite food of many predatory insects. While it may seem unfair, the truth is that insects eating other insects is just a part of nature’s cycle and that …
Do you want to make sure your garden is thriving? Are you looking for natural, sustainable ways to help it flourish? Then it’s time to look into the amazing benefits of bee pollination. From creating stronger and healthy plants to providing essential nutrients in the soil. Not only that, but you’ll be playing an important …
The Amazing Benefits Of Bee Pollination In Your Garden Read More »
This rather small species of bumblebee can be found in a wide range of habitats across the United Kingdom. Appearance The heath bumblebee is characterised by its distinctive yellow collar, yellow-banded abdomen and pure white tail. It has a small, short, rounded face that’s as long as it is wide. Apart from its smaller size …
The Bombus hortorum, also known as the garden bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee that is native to Europe. These bees are important pollinators for a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables, and are known for their distinctive yellow and black striped pattern. They’re considered as one of the ‘big 7’, one of seven …
There are approximately 250 different species of bumblebees across the world with varying sizes, colours and patterns and they can be found in every country except Australia and Antarctica. With so many different species of bumblebee in the genus Bombus, it’s often hard to tell which species you’re observing. We’ve detailed some of the most …
The leafcutter or leafcutting bee is a fascinating species of bee belonging to the genus Megachile which also includes resin bees and mason bees. *This subset belongs to the much larger Megachilidae cosmopolitan family made up of solitary species. Leafcutter bees have gained their name due to their very unique behaviour of leaf cutting. This …
If you have eczema, it can be difficult to find a moisturizer that works for you and doesn’t aggravate your condition. Enter beeswax, the perfect solution to help treat and prevent dry skin for people with eczema. Let’s take a closer look at the intrinsic link between beeswax and eczema and how you can use …
The term mining bee refers to a group of bee species belonging to the genus Andrena. In the UK, there are 67 species of mining bee, including the tawny mining bee, ashy mining bee and Clarke’s mining bee. What Do Mining Bees Look Like? Identifying mining bees away from their nests can be tricky. With …
Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem. They pollinate our crops and wild plants, which helps keep the environment healthy and provides a wide range of habitats for other insects and nails. Bees also produce honey used by humans as a food source and for a range of medicinal purposes. Let’s take a deep …
The early bumblebee sometimes referred to as the early-nesting bumblebee, Latin name Bombus pratorum is a widely spread species visible in many areas across the UK. This relatively small species of bumblebee gains its name for being one of the first bumblebees to appear in early spring, feasting on early blooming flower varieties. What do …
Bees are one of the most important pollinators in the world, but they’re also often misunderstood. Bees live in colonies, and each colony has a different life cycle. Honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees all have their own ingenious methods and techniques for surviving a chilly winter. So how do bees survive a long winter without …
We all see bees when we’re out in the garden or going for a walk. While these furry little flying creatures buzz around so fast it’s hard to see what they’re actually doing, but thanks to science we now have a much better understanding of bees and how they behave. Bees are flying insects and …
Have you ever observed honeybees wiggling their bums in a form of a strange dance-like motion and wondered what they’re doing and why? Well look no further, we’ve gone ahead and found out exactly why bees wiggle their bums and the myriad of reasons they might do it. Let’s take a closer look at our …
The Tree bumblebee, Latin name Bombus hypnorum of the genus Bombus is a species of bumblebee present across parts of Europe and Asia. Despite its fast spread across mainland Europe and the UK this species is still not currently found in the Mediterranean or large swathes of Eastern Europe. What do Tree bumblebees look like? …
