Australian Native Bees
Australian native bees are fascinating insects. They have a crucial role in pollination, and they bring benefits to our ecosystems.
Australian Native Bees: A Vital Part of Our Ecosystem
Australian native bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, pollinating a vast array of native plants. While many species are solitary, some form social colonies, similar to honey bees. These social species are fascinating creatures that deserve our protection. This is why we safely remove and ensure the colony thrives afterwards.
​​Native Bees
Native bees are known for their lack of a sting, making them generally harmless to humans. They build their nests in hollow trees, logs, and man-made structures like gutters, electricity and water meters, as well as in man-made native beehives.
Examples include Tetragonula Carbonaria, Tetragonula Hockingsi and Austroplebeia Australis.
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Native bees have specific roles based on their age. For the majority of their life, they are in the hive cleaning, building and guarding the hive. As they age and are near the end of their life, they leave the hive to collect pollen and resin.
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They live for around 70 days, although the queen can live for around 4 years. The queen will lay princess eggs, a back up for her in case she doesn't survive. These princesses may work the hive, find another hive, or if their hive is strong enough, take worker bees and take over a weak hive.
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Benefits of Native Bees
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Native bees are efficient pollinators, contributing to the health and diversity of our native flora. They are resistant to varroa mite.
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Native bees can produce honey that has unique flavours and nutritional properties, called sugarbag honey. They produce around 1 kg a year in the right circumstances.
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Native bees help maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems by supporting plant reproduction through pollination. They are exceptional pollinators of macadamia plantations.
