1. Hive of the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterfly
This large bee colony is found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and is considered one of the largest insect colonies in the world. The queen can live for up to 12 years, producing thousands of offspring during her lifetime. A single queen bee is estimated to be responsible for establishing a new colony in areas where there was previously no breeding ground, contributing to the widespread distribution of the species across the region.
2. Hive of the Carpenter Bee
This large bee colony is found throughout North America and is known for its distinct characteristics, such as having a single egg-laying queen and many temporary brood cells. Carpenter bees are recognized by their distinctive yellow and black stripes, with some species featuring white or brown markings. The average lifespan of a carpenter bee colony ranges from 2-5 years, although some colonies can live up to 10 years in ideal conditions.
3. Hive of the Asian Giant Honey Bee
This massive bee colony is native to Southeast Asia and is one of the largest insect colonies found in the world. The Asian giant honey bee can grow up to 20 grams (0.7 oz) per individual, significantly larger than many other bee species. A single hive can contain tens of thousands of workers, with a queen that can live for up to 5 years.
4. Hive of the Western Honey Bee
This large bee colony is found throughout much of North America and Europe, and has become a common sight in urban areas as well as rural landscapes. The western honey bee population has experienced significant fluctuations due to factors like pesticide use, habitat loss, and disease outbreaks, with some colonies facing threats from local beekeepers struggling to maintain healthy populations. European scientists have observed large social hierarchies within these colonies.
5. Hive of the Red Mason Bee
This large bee colony is found throughout Europe and North America and is notable for its specialized communication techniques using pheromones to signal danger or identify nesting sites. The red mason bee colony can range from 1,000-4,000 individuals, with queens capable of surviving solitary lives without social interactions. Despite their small size, some researches attribute remarkable longevity to these bees.