ONE, TWO, THREE BEE

Bees that don't sting!

Inside of a Meliponula nest with brood, workers and queen.

Prepare to be amazed as we embark on a journey into the captivating realm of bees, but not just any bees – meet the extraordinary stingless bees! Often overshadowed by their honeybee cousins, these charming creatures possess a unique trait: they lack the ability to sting. Let's dive into the secrets of these remarkable beings, found in the lush tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

With over 550 distinct species, stingless bees easily outnumber the famed 11 honeybee species. Just like honeybees, they form colonies, produce honey, and play a pivotal role in pollinating plants. Yet, it is honey yields that make them so prized for their medicinal and cultural significance, particularly in the breathtaking landscapes of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Picture this: on the slopes of Tanzania's majestic mountains, a precious secret is held close to homesteads – colonies of a special stingless bee species, preserved like first aid boxes, only to be opened during emergencies. And what lies within this liquid gold? Honey believed to possess miraculous medicinal properties, brimming with antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It serves as a remedy for wounds, sore throats, and digestive issues amongst many others. But this isn't your ordinary honey; the stingless bee honey boasts a higher water content, inducing natural fermentation, resulting in a hint of sourness.

While honeybees may reign in the honey-making realm, stingless bees offer a more modest yield of just 1 to 2 kg annually, compared to the impressive 40 kg produced by their counterparts. But don't underestimate their significance.

Nest entrance of a Hypotrigona colony.

At the World Unite Base in Zanzibar, you'll find another unique species of stingless bees – small honey producers but extraordinary pollinators, diligently visiting the permaculture garden to ensure the ecosystem thrives.

These tiny wonders of nature exhibit an array of skills that make them exceptional pollinators. Their efficiency stems from their steady foraging habits, repeatedly visiting the same type of plants, and their innate ability to communicate information about food sources with their sisters, using a mix of chemical, visual, tactile, and vibratory signals. Their sense of smell is crucial, and they quickly learn which floral odors lead to nectar rewards, outside on flowers or inside the hive taught by fellow bees.

Inside of a Meliponula nest with worker brood and queen cells.

Bees that are solitary

In the vast bee kingdom, being social is an exception rather than the norm, with most of the 20,000 bee species living solitary lives. They search for, build, and provision their nests independently. These solitary bees exhibit a breathtaking diversity in size, shape, color, and behavior, thriving in various habitats from deserts to forests, providing crucial ecosystem services.

Bees, whether solitary or social, are essential vegetarians, relying on pollen for their protein needs. As master pollinators, they profoundly impact ecosystems by promoting biodiversity and supporting food production. Some bees have developed an extraordinary bond with specific plants, forming symbiotic relationships vital for their survival.

To support our solitary friends, we can provide them with the three essentials they need: a nest, building materials, and food in the form of pollen and nectar. From leafcutter bees delicately crafting nests with pieces of leaves to mud-loving bees creating plastered abodes, these solitary creatures thrive when offered the right accommodations.

At World Unite in Zanzibar, a bee hotel has been thoughtfully installed, welcoming a diverse community of solitary bees, who enjoy easy access to the bountiful permaculture garden.

So, as we unveil the enchanting world of stingless bees and their solitary counterparts, we come to appreciate their invaluable contribution to our planet's thriving biodiversity. The more we cherish and protect these industrious pollinators, the more abundant and diverse our plant communities become – a harmonious cycle where we all reap the sweet rewards of nature's symphony.

Inside of a leafcutter bee’s nest. ©KKrausa