Where does a lost bee go?

contactme_11 · August 21, 2008, 07:57:02 PM

Today as I left my house there was two honey bee stow-aways in the cab of my truck. I drove probably about twenty miles before I noticed them. I rolled down my window and away they flew. The question that arose to me however, was what happens to lost bees like this? I know if they were dumped in front of a hive they would join it. But when they are completely displaced do you think they just fly around aimlessly looking for a hive? Or do they just die?

WhipCityBeeMan · August 22, 2008, 10:50:33 AM

That explains it.

2 bees stopped by my bee yard this morning wishing to join my hives here in Westfield.....

Seriously, no idea. I would presume they would die without access to a food supply.

bassman1977 · August 22, 2008, 06:07:49 PM

QuoteI would presume they would die without access to a food supply.

I would have to agree. Maybe once in a while, if a lost bee found a colony, she would be allowed into a new hive if she was carrying pollen or nectar.

Understudy · August 22, 2008, 06:11:02 PM

If it has food and nectar it is easier to get accepted into a new home. If it does not it can be more difficult.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Card · August 22, 2008, 09:17:02 PM

The Island of Misfit Honeybees. 8-)

JP · August 22, 2008, 09:43:05 PM

Quote from: contactme_11 on August 21, 2008, 07:57:02 PM
Today as I left my house there was two honey bee stow-aways in the cab of my truck. I drove probably about twenty miles before I noticed them. I rolled down my window and away they flew. The question that arose to me however, was what happens to lost bees like this? I know if they were dumped in front of a hive they would join it. But when they are completely displaced do you think they just fly around aimlessly looking for a hive? Or do they just die?

Bee heaven.

...JP

Michael Bush · August 22, 2008, 09:55:59 PM

They have an awesome sense of smell. They will fly until they smell a hive and then humbly approach the guards and be admitted.

Brian D. Bray · August 23, 2008, 01:24:22 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on August 22, 2008, 09:55:59 PM
They have an awesome sense of smell. They will fly until they smell a hive and then humbly approach the guards and be admitted.

Bees and homing pigeons use the same methods of finding home. Sight (landmarks), smell (wind currents), sun ray angle, and magnetic fields of the earth. Pigeons can find their way home from over 1000 miles, bees can do from a mile or so. Don't believe me, mark some bees and have someone let them go a mile or so away--they'll be home before night fall.