Tag: Apis mellifera

I had Unexpected Visitors yesterday―over 100 honey bees somehow found their way into my house. I spent the afternoon scooping up bees and putting them back outdoors. I’m still not sure how they were getting in. Many of them seemed depleted and disoriented from buzzing against windows, so I set up a little bee first aid station where I fed the weaker bees honey water before shooing them away. The bee incursion ended at sunset. I’m waiting to see if there will be a second wave today. 

I had Unexpected Visitors yesterday―over 100 honey bees somehow found their way into my house. I spent the afternoon scooping up bees and putting them back outdoors. I’m still not sure how they were getting in. Many of them seemed depleted and disoriented from buzzing against windows, so I set up a little bee first aid station where I fed the weaker bees honey water before shooing them away. The bee incursion ended at sunset. I’m waiting to see if there will be a second wave today. 

Bee glue: Honey bee (Apis mellifera), using its hind leg to collect the dark resinous sap oozing from a scarred mesquite tree. At the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, in Phoenix Arizona. 

The sticky goo, called propolis, is used by bees to patch hives or seal off unused entrances. It is used by people (who steal collect it from domesticated bees) in a variety of folk remedies, and in varnishes for string musical instruments. 

Bonus etymology: Propolis is a transliteration of the Ancient Greek πρόπολις, meaning suburb. It was applied to the bees’ gooey glue because of their apparent use of the material to extend their hives. 

Bee glue: Honey bee (Apis mellifera), using its hind leg to collect the dark resinous sap oozing from a scarred mesquite tree. At the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, in Phoenix Arizona. 

The sticky goo, called propolis, is used by bees to patch hives or seal off unused entrances. It is used by people (who steal collect it from domesticated bees) in a variety of folk remedies, and in varnishes for string musical instruments. 

Bonus etymology: Propolis is a transliteration of the Ancient Greek πρόπολις, meaning suburb. It was applied to the bees’ gooey glue because of their apparent use of the material to extend their hives. 

Honey bees (Apis mellifera), drinking at an ephemeral travertine seep, in the Gould Mine Wash, Saguaro National Park, Arizona. Please click the photo to enlarge. 

I have spent too much time with the aquatic insect realm, and I am truly not very savvy regarding many terrestrial species. These bees were part of a large swarm. It was only after I got close enough for a clear shot that I (too late!) asked myself, “Could these be killer bees?” So many things in Arizona seem willing to jab or scratch or sting you. Luckily these turned out to be entirely calm and mild-mannered bees – the best kind for bumblers like me. 

Honey bees (Apis mellifera), drinking at an ephemeral travertine seep, in the Gould Mine Wash, Saguaro National Park, Arizona. Please click the photo to enlarge. 

I have spent too much time with the aquatic insect realm, and I am truly not very savvy regarding many terrestrial species. These bees were part of a large swarm. It was only after I got close enough for a clear shot that I (too late!) asked myself, “Could these be killer bees?” So many things in Arizona seem willing to jab or scratch or sting you. Luckily these turned out to be entirely calm and mild-mannered bees – the best kind for bumblers like me.