.png)
When I ask kids, "What color are bees?" the answer is almost always "black and yellow." It’s a common misconception, and it’s quite a revelation for many, both children and adults, to learn that bees come in a variety of colors and sizes. As part of our Bee Education and Bee Incursion programs, we discover the fascinating world of bee biodiversity. Let's take a closer look at the different kinds of bees we have here in Australia.
Understanding Bee Biodiversity
Bee biodiversity refers to the variety of bee species within a particular ecosystem or region. With over 20,000 species of bees worldwide, Australia is home to more than 2,000 species of native bees. These native bees are incredibly diverse, varying in color, shape, behavior, and size. Unlike the familiar European honey bees, many of Australia’s native bees are solitary and lead very different lives.
The Solitary Life of Native Bees
The majority of Australia’s native bees are solitary, meaning they live individually rather than in colonies. These bees make their homes in hollow stems or holes in the ground. In fact, approximately 70% of native bees are ground nesters, while the remaining 30% prefer nesting in cavities like hollow plant stems, or existing cavities like beetle holes. Habitat is crucial for the survival of these bees, and understanding their nesting habits is key to supporting their populations. And, one question I get asked a lot is whether they produce honey. Solitary and Semi Social bees do not make or store honey.
Stingless Native Bees: A Unique Colony
While most native bees are solitary, there are some that live in colonies, such as the stingless native bees. These bees, which are found primarily in the northern and warm-coastal parts of Australia, share some similarities with honey bees. They live in colonies, are considered a superorganism, and, as their name suggests, they lack the ability to sting. Stingless bees play an essential role in pollination and contribute significantly to the biodiversity of our natural ecosystems. They also produce a unique and highly valued honey called Sugarbag.
The Role of European Honey Bees
European honey bees, managed by beekeepers (also known as apiarists), are another key species in Australia. These bees have co-evolved with our food production systems over thousands of years and are vital for both honey production and crop pollination. In Australia, honey bees are responsible for pollinating more than 53 major food crops, which is essential for the successful production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Social vs. Solitary Bees: Different Lives, Crucial Roles
Both social and solitary bees play important roles as pollinators, but their nesting behaviors and social structures are quite different. Social bees, like European honey bees and native stingless bees, live in large colonies with distinct roles for the queen, drones, and worker bees. These colonies construct intricate nests or hives and use sophisticated communication methods to coordinate activities.
In contrast, solitary bees lead more independent lives. Each female constructs and provisions her individual nest, often in tunnels in the ground or hollow plant stems. They have shorter lifespans and simpler communication methods, relying on visual cues or scent markings to find their nests. Semi-social bees, which exhibit traits of both social and solitary bees, may share nests with related females, but their social behaviors are less complex.
Bee Education: Not All Bees Live In A Beehive!
As part of our Bee Education and Bee Incursion programs, we explore the differences between honey bees and native bees. We talk about the nesting places of native bees and how we can build supplementary habitats, such as native bee hotels, to support their populations.
Bee-Inspired Music: Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show
The "Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show Album" includes a sweet and catchy tune that helps children understand the differences between solitary and social bees. One of the songs, "Some Bees" talks about the nesting behaviors of bees, from "living in their honey house" to "living underground where they're safe and sound." It's a fun and educational way to engage children in bee biodiversity, complete with a catchy chorus that's perfect for singing and dancing along.
So, next time you’re out in nature, keep an eye out for the incredible variety of bees that call Australia home. And remember, the more we learn about these amazing creatures, the better we can support their vital role in our ecosystems.
Comments