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Secret Lives of UK Bees Revealed!
5 May
Summary
- Male bees often sleep in flowers to fuel mating searches.
- Some bees, like the Cuckoo bumblebee, will kill queens to take over nests.
- Over 250 bee species in the UK are solitary, not hive dwellers.
As World Bee Day approaches, new insights reveal the diverse habits of UK bees, from sleeping in flowers to parasitic nest takeovers. Professor Dave Goulson's book, The Bee Spotter's Guide, highlights that many male bees use flowers as a temporary shelter overnight, focusing their energy solely on mating. This offers a glimpse into their unique behaviours and roles in ecosystems.
The UK hosts around 270 bee species, with a significant majority, approximately 250, living solitary lives. Unlike social bees, solitary females independently build nests and raise their young. Species like the Red Mason Bee, active in April and May, nest in holes and cannot sting humans. Another, the Hairy-footed Flower Bee, features distinctive males that use fluffy leg hairs to court females.
More aggressive behaviours are also noted, such as the Southern Cuckoo Bumblebee. This parasitic species targets and eliminates the queen of Buff-tailed Bumblebee nests, subsequently forcing the host's workers into servitude. Despite their predatory nature towards other bees, they do not pose a threat to humans. The Wool Carder Bee male fiercely defends its territory, attacking other insects to protect nesting resources for the female.
