Here's a new one for me - I decided to "peek" inside the hives today - just took off the top cover - on the inside of my feeder boxes the bees were walking around with their rear ends up in the air - what the heck is that all about?
nosanoving. sending their scent into the air to orient other bees. Happens when you open hive, and haooens more when you syart to deconstruct their home as in a removal. Hekps queen and other find each other during chaotic time.
What :shock: All this time I thought they were telling me to kiss their...........nevermind :oops:
Quote from: BeeHopper on April 30, 2008, 12:38:11 PM
What :shock: All this time I thought they were telling me to kiss their...........nevermind :oops:
You never know. It could be dual purpose. :shock:
It is defense as well. I notice that not only are they mooning me, they have their stinger pointing out. Sorta like a porcupine. I've always noticed the bee smell when I open them and associated it with "alarm".
I saw the same thing when I opened my hive and posted the same question. What I find interesting is that they do not do it every time I open the hive. I think that is because at this time I still a medium full of honey on top of the brood boxes and not so many bees are up there. Of course, I could be totally wrong.