Question for the experts

[backyard warrior]

When the bees beard on the front of the hives i noticed they dont just sit there.  Their wings arent moving either but they are indeed rocking back and forth does anyone know why bees rock back and forth without moving their legs????

[bassman1977]

It's called washboarding.  I don't think anyone knows for sure why they do it.  Probably some sort of communication.

[Shawn]

Some one just posted a video of that but I cant remember who.

[AllenF]

Here is the video
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,29642.0.html

[backyard warrior]

Thanks alot everyone that is indeed what they are doing i thought maybe someone would know why but i guess its a mystery!!

[caticind]

One theory is that they are scenting the entrance, sort of a homing beacon for incoming bees.  If you look at a washboarding bee really closely, you'll see that often they have got their tongues out and are licking the surface.