never seen this before

Murray30 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 11:01 PM

hope ive posted this in the right place,
could someone please tell me whats going on here

i almost trood on them(luckily i didnt), the only thing i can guess is theres a carcass under them somewhere, ive never come across this before i wouldnt of thought it would bee(see what i did there

) a nest

thanks
Regards Murray

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 11:32 PM

This looks like a small swarm of bees, or a "cast". It happens when a young maiden queen makes her mating flight, and sometimes lands in peculiar (and inaccessible sometimes!) places with the rest of her retinue following. Sometimes they return to the hive, more often than not they don't.

Murray30 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 11:51 PM

Thank you very much for explaining Hedera, thats quite fascinating,so i take it that she was on the verge of starting her own colony,

Thanks again Hedera very much appreciated

Regards Murray

Hedera · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011, 09:27 AM

That's right. They would move on and find a hollow tree, a chimney or inside space or an empty hive. Scout-bees go and look for suitable places: they are highly organised.

Murray30 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011, 10:27 PM

Hi Hedera,
Apologies for not replying sooner not long got back,they have all moved on now so hopefully its good news and found a new home.
this is something else i have learnt, i thank you very much its opened my eyes even more to the wierd and wonderful world of nature.

very much appreciated

Regards Murray