bees Archives

Bumblebees with backpacks

Right now in Tasmania’s south a group of queen bumblebees are sporting the very latest in insect fashion.

Probiotics could help save falling honey bee populations

Scientists hope a new immunity-boosting probiotic developed for honeybees will help fight infections being blamed for their declining population.

History & Culture

200 years since the honey bee came to our shores, it’s hard to imagine an Australia without it

On the bicentenary of the European honey bee’s introduction to Australia, should we be celebrating? We take a look at the effects – good and bad – the honey bee has had on our environment and society.

Rediscovery of Australia´s rare cloaked bee: James Dorey

Talking Australia

Rediscovery of Australia´s rare cloaked bee: James Dorey

00:00 / 00:21:52

Adelaide-based ecologist and native bee expert, James Dorey, is known for his beautiful portrait images of bees and other insects. The author of the book, Bees of Australia, James recently rediscovered the rare cloaked bee., which was believed extinct for the past 100 years. In this episode he talks about the relevance of his images, how he came across a species that was thought to be long lost, and how we can help bees to thrive in our own backyards. This Episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Angela Heathcote (Digital Producer at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com). You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic

Science & Environment

Lines of defence: all-Aussie team builds high-tech device to keep our bees safe

Australia is one of the few countries still free of a deadly bee parasite. A team of Australians have built a high-tech device to keep our bees safe – and it’s inspired by the bees themselves.

Science & Environment

Scientists fight to save a glittering green bee after the summer fires

The beautiful green carpenter bee was badly affected by the 2019/2020 catastrophic bushfires. This is what scientists are doing to save it.

News

In pictures: Australia Post’s gorgeous new collectable bee stamps

These are beautiful.

News

Bees can add and subtract, new research shows

The humble honeybee can use symbols to perform basic maths including addition and subtraction, shows new research published today in the journal Science Advances.