BLOG

This is amazing! There is so much we don’t know about these processes in nature. Are they “thinking” as we think we know it? Analyzing and problemsolving? It seems very much so, but HOW. Thanks for the photos–

Amazing. Love the photos

Oh, I love that! Lots of lessons for us people types. Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos, Laura!

How, indeed?!? There’s an interesting book called “The Superorganism: The Beauty, Elegance, and Strangeness of Insect Societies.” It answers some, but not all, of the “thinking” questions.

Thanks so much, Laura, for sharing these awe-inspiring photos. A LONG time ago, when I was in college, I took courses from EO Wilson, the father of Sociobiology and an ant nut. I learned then how magical and complicated these creatures and their societies are. Who knew???

Wow! Awesome pictures! I have noticed how bees seem to cling to each other in hives, but had no idea it was related to engineering. You’ve got my head buzzing with ideas (hey, my name does mean “bee.”) Now I need to research your site and see if it is known whether pesticide use somehow negatively affects this teamwork. . .

Andy,
Lucky you! Wilson, I believe, is the coauthor of said book… “The Superorganism.”

Debbie,
Alas, pesticides are very often damaging to bees. The neurotoxin imidacloprid, an ingredient in many over the counter pesticides, interferes with learning & memory. You can read more here. http://www.lauratyler.com/the-scales-have-fallen

This is so beautiful and mysterious! Thank you for sharing a peek into the minds and bodies of bees.

These images are gorgeous. This reminds me that I STILL have never been in town when “Sister Bee” has been shows. I am going to send the URL for this to a Denver blogger who has also become a beekeeper; her blog is at http://kittbo.blogspot.com/, which you might already have discoveed. Right now, she has 75 posts under the label “Bees.”

Laura, your photos and descriptions of the festooning bees made my day! What a lovely window into the wonder and mystery of bees and life.

totally fascinating! thank you!

This is very cool. There is so much we don’t understand about the animal world. Their lives have great implications (both metaphorically and practically) for ours, yet simply in and of itself, I find this concept (and the pictures) amazing.

I’ve been reading Beak of the Finch, about generational evolution in the Galapagos; this post makes me want to put E.O. Wilson’s Diversity of Life (bought years ago, still sitting on my shelf) next on my non-fiction reading list.

Thanks!

Pennie, Gail and Ingrid, Thank you for your kindness.

Claire, Thanks for the link! Hope to see you at a screening someday. Will keep in touch.

Ellen, I love reading & am always open to recommendations. Both “Beak of the Finch” and “Diversity of Life” sound right up my alley.

I love the word “festooning”! It sounds as lovely and mythical as seeing the bees do it. Here are some notes on its derivation:

A linguistic relative of “feast,” “festival,” and “fiesta,” the festive word “festoon” was adapted from Italian “festone,” meaning “a decoration for a feast.”

Indeed, your photos are a feast for the eyes!

Great shots! Were you holding the frame *and* taking pictures? Tricky!

Thanks to Claire for pointing me here (and linking to me). I have heard about “Sister Bee” but have not had a chance to see it yet. Hoping you will have more Denver-area screenings soon. I’m only just getting started in beekeeping after seeing five swarms in my neighborhood last year. It’s quite the adventure!

Thank you for sharing these photos! How beautiful and mysterious. I think we never have enough bees.

Laurel – Thank you for the poetry.

Kitt – Yes, tricky, but I did have help. Andy, my husband and partner in beekeeping held the frames while I clicked away. I look forward to staying in touch.

Hilary – Mmm hmm. More bees please!