Bees Nest Map
This national study aims to enhance Australasian climate, biodiversity and Apiculture through the protection of wild and native honeybees.
Nesting Habitat
Through the observation of Australia's honeybees living in tree hollows, caves, open air and other habitations to understand their ecology and nesting preferences in the wild.
Pollination
Australias wild and native honeybees deliver great pollination value to native plants. They are essential to biodiversity and the achievement of national environmental objectives and other international goals such as the UN SDG's.
Migratory Patterns
Wild and native honeybees observe seasonal migration patterns to source food, nesting sites and to reproduce. This research will explore the movement of honeybees as well as international migrations throughout the Asia and Pacific regions.
Morphology
Observation of wing morphology and the venation pattern will help to define the origins and adaptations of Apis species in Australia.
Collaboration and Partnerships
This project brings together researchers, citizen scientists, NGO’s, Governmental organisations and the Apiculture industry to participate in a study that aims to observe the habitat of bees so that we can ensure protection for future generations.
To share a wild free living bees nest, please fill out the form below.
Learn how to observe wild hives
Observing wild bees
- The origin of wild bees dates back over 100 million years before the age of beekeeping.
- Wild nests are free living bee naturally occurring and can also originate from a nest swarm when they develop adaptation and hybridisation techniques.
- Nests will originate along songlines and in areas of magnetic activity such as underground water streams, mineral deposits, and other areas of significance. These areas may display high activity of bee flight, foraging and swarming.
How to see a bees nest
- Open air: nesting sites where comb will hang off branches or trees in the air. You may see the beeswax, it mat be dark gold in colour or bright white wax.
- Cavity nesting: found in cavities of approximately 40L of space such as tree hollows, caves and habitations.
- Flight path: A direct and active channel of bees all travelling either to and from one singular destination often a flower or water source.
- Scent: Hive air will present strong aromas of honey and beeswax.
- Sound: You will hear an orchestra buzzing. Buzzing will begin at sunrise and carry out until sundown.
Traits and characteristics
- Body colour: wild bees of the Apidae family display dark body colouration
- Wing venation: variations will be seen in the wing structure and vein pattern
- Body size:
Sugarbag stingless: 3-4 mm in length
Apis cerana: 7.0-10 mm in length
Apis mellifera: 10-15 mm in length
Apis florea: 7.0-10 mm in length
- Defense: You may see a number of guard bees defending the entrance.
- Foraging activity: is an indication of a strong hive. You may see bees returning with full pollen pockets.
Comb structure
- You may see a coating of propolis covering the entrance to the city gates
- Honey and eggs are protected in between the outer walls of wax and the natural hive wall
- Darker comb: High propolis development which displays strong defence qualities for hive health
- Hexagonal comb sizes will vary according to their environment, season and local resources
- The comb will reflect a natural architecture that suits the bees and their needs
- A smaller wild hive may only hold up to 3 wax walls. The centre wall will host and incubate the brood and the queen. A larger hive can have over 20 wax walls. The larger the colony the more potential for future swarms.
Beelining
- Beelining is a method for scouting wild bee hives.
- When in the presence of bees on flowers, you may “beeline” the bees, follow the direction of their returning flight
- Bees with full pollen pockets are sure to be on their way home and are great bees to scout