All the buzz

Tiny and often overlooked, native bees are fascinating backyard visitors.

Australia is home to an astonishing variety of native bees. Having evolved with our native flora, they are important pollinators, yet their small size and cryptic behaviour mean many go unnoticed. Others are colourful, charismatic and surprisingly easy to spot once you know what to look for. Learning to recognise the different groups brings a new dimension to the garden. In the November issue of our magazine (out now), bee researcher and educator Megan Halcroft shares her insights into their lives and habits. Here’s a preview:

Q. How many species of Australian native bees are there?
About 1700 species have been named, but an estimated 300–500 may be awaiting discovery. They range from 2mm to 26mm long and come in assorted colours, including black, white, orange, yellow, green and blue.

Q Do any native bees produce honey?
Yes. Australia has 11 honey-producing bee species in the genera Austroplebeia and Tetragonula. These stingless bees live in colonies and nest in cavities; some can be kept in hive boxes. They produce small quantities of distinctive, tangy honey.

Q. What gardening practices should be avoided?
Avoid using insecticides, particularly on plants in flower. Exposure to these chemicals can harm or kill bees. Retaining some bare ground, dead stems and undisturbed timber will also preserve potential nesting habitat.

Read the full article in the November issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine – on sale now!

Story by Megan Halcroft
Header image by iStock