Native Bees
Australia is home to over 2,000 native bee species, with only just over 1,600 being formally identified.
While the colder climate isn’t ideal for social stingless bees, the region still hosts a wide array of native bees.
You’ll find these industrious insects nesting in diverse locations, from tunnels dug in the earth to cavities in wood and hollow plant stems.
Solitary Bees:
The vast majority of Australian native bees are solitary, meaning each female bee builds her own nest and raises her young without the help of other bees.
Semi-Social Bees:
Some native bees exhibit a semi-social behavior, where multiple females cooperate in nest building and brood care.
Social Stingless Bees:
There are 11 described species of social stingless native bees in Australia. These bees form hives with a queen, worker bees, and drones, similar to European honeybees, but their honey production is limited to around 1kg.
As mentioned, stingless bees are not prevalent in the ACT region due to our colder climate. This is not to say they can not be kept here.
Have you thought about hosting a Native Bee Hotel?
Bush Capital Beekeeping and build, supply and install a native bee hotel at your home or business premises.
The great news is, there are no regular Varroa or other inspections, catching swarms or the chance of being stung!