Insect Invasion

[neverwashasbeen]

I was hanging around in Idyllwild with some friends today and noticed that we were constantly being buzzed by wasps. We also were in the path of a migrating swarm of bees, literally, they were on both sides of us and over our heads for several minutes. I'm begining to think that the insects are more prolific in the area this year. Last week my daughter was stung by a wasp over near Suiciide Rock. Has anyone else noticed an increase in insect activity?

[arocknoid]

The general answer to your question is no.

In terms of bees, the situation is grim, with colony collapse disorder devastating bee populations all over. i won't belabor that issue, and their crucial role.

What you likely observed with the bee swarm was movement of the hive, which like all things apiary, revolves around the queen. Literally.

Migration (or expansion) to more favorable habitat will often involve layovers of several days along the way, til the final location is settled.

Every year for about ten years, we would have one or two colonies move through the backyard, usually settling in for one to three days before moving on. (some stayed for the long haul. 'nother story.)

It is a spectacular phenomenon, like a tornado in reverse, with 10,000 to 20,000 bees in a cloud spiraling in around the queen into a tight cone shaped mass, over a period of 10 to 20 minutes.

The sound is unique, complete with miniature Doppler up/down tones like a mall full of tiny-scale slot cars whirling round and round. Occasionally a few will bounce off your arms or chest as they veer slightly off course, but no cause to sting. A bop or two in the head will make your ears stand up a wee bit, I'll admit. In mufti -- tank top, shorts and flip-flops de rigeur. (thank you, vintage Vuarnet!).

Here are a few pics I took during one of these colony rest stop events. I have vids also, but not on a photo host. These are from a few years ago. (lots more to this and other backyard bee events, including a gigantic Africanized bee colony above the court, but.....basta.)



Standing right in the midst of the bees as the circle in to land at the queen, I've never had a single sting. ("The Lord watches over fools," eh?)



Here's another, at eye level, where the bees appear as blurred streaks:





Looking overhead at The cone, with queen at the core:



Funzies!

[neverwashasbeen]

Great pics, we didn't move, since we didn't know if they might sting. It was certainly quite an experience, I would have loved to have gotten some video.

[Hikin_Jim]

Cool pix, Noid.

So, that colony collapse thing is still going on? I know the hives near where I used to live are all gone. Do they have any idea what's behind it?

Are the Africanized bees, which are supposedly hardier, resistant at all? Not that I want Africanized, multi-sting capable bees around.

HJ

[tinaballina]

That is crazy......

[HH8]

The sound is unique

Great pix!!
Yeah, that sound is far more ominous and sobering than a snake rattle.

[HH8]

In terms of bees, the situation is grim, with colony collapse disorder devastating bee populations all over.

maybe it's them thar greedy Texans
http://news.yahoo.com/video/giant-hive- ... 00682.html

[bluerail]

I've had those guys come through my yard and stay for a couple of days, It's really interesting.....but when you're hanging on the side of a rock face without many options.....well, it was a little unnerving. Still, pretty amazing experience.