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Honeybees are largely domestic insects, especially in North and South America where they are not native. However, swarms frequently go 'wild' and take up residence in holes, caves, or hollows in trees or buildings. Typically, a swarm will settle temporarily in some sheltered (but open) spot and then search for a permanent home in an enclosed space. Usually the swarm forms a small ball for a few days and then moves elsewhere before they build any comb. However, sometimes they fail to find an acceptable shelter and build large combs in open areas -- as is the case here. These bees have built a very large and elaborate comb structure under a leaning tree trunk on the University of California, Riverside campus. As can be seen in the close-up views, they have stored honey (and judging by the size of the colony, they have also been very successful in producing new workers).
Note: not too long after these photos were taken, this hive broke off its supporting branch and fell to the ground. I suspect the beeswax structure of the combs softened on a hot summer day and could no longer support the weight of honey and brood. |
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