Bees 2
by Dave Diegelman
Title
Bees 2
Artist
Dave Diegelman
Medium
Photograph - Archival Photographs
Description
Bees and Spring in Southern Utah come in late February and last through the end of May. The inaugural day of blossoms, such as the apricot blossoms showcased in the three-bee triptych above, is particularly enchanting. On this day, the blooms are fully hydrated, radiating a freshness that sets them apart from any other time. This sets the bees into a feeding frenzy and opens to door for macro photography as they are less skittish than normal.
Did you know that bees...?
Dance Language: Honey bees communicate through intricate dance movements known as the "waggle dance." This mesmerizing choreography conveys information about the location of food sources and other important hive details.
Navigation Masters: Honey bees are remarkable navigators. They use the sun as a compass during the day and navigate by the polarized light patterns in the sky on cloudy days or when the sun is not visible.
Queen's Pheromones: The queen bee releases pheromones that help regulate the behavior and activities of the entire colony. These chemical signals play a crucial role in maintaining order and harmony within the hive.
Flower Communication: Honey bees can recognize and remember specific flower types and colors. They use this information to efficiently forage for nectar and pollen, contributing to the pollination of countless plant species.
Incredible Work Ethic: Worker bees, which are all female, exhibit an impressive work ethic. They visit thousands of flowers each day, tirelessly collecting nectar and pollen to bring back to the hive.
Temperature Regulation: Honey bees are capable of regulating the temperature inside their hive. They use their wings to create airflow, and through a process called "evaporative cooling," they can maintain a constant temperature even in scorching conditions.
Life Span Variability: The life span of a honey bee varies based on its role within the hive. Worker bees, who undertake the most labor-intensive tasks, typically live only a few weeks, while the queen bee can live for several years.
Complex Hive Architecture: The hexagonal shape of honeycomb cells is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly efficient. This design minimizes the amount of wax needed while maximizing storage space and structural stability.
Collective Decision-Making: Honey bee colonies make decisions collectively through a process known as "swarm intelligence." For example, when choosing a new hive location, scouts convey information through dances, and the colony collectively decides on the most suitable site.
Diverse Bee Jobs: Bees have different roles throughout their lifespan. They start as nurse bees, caring for the brood, then become foragers collecting food, and finally, as older bees, they take on guard duty protecting the hive. Each stage contributes uniquely to the hive's functionality.
Photo & Text All Rights Reserved © Dave Diegelman
@davediegelman
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Uploaded
March 6th, 2024
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