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This weekend while checking our catch/trap boxes, me and colleagues Godfrey Dongaronga and Rudo K Makuzwa witnessed something amazing! A large bee colony was hanging on the outside of one of the boxes, looking like they were in deep discussion. Then, just as quickly as they arrived, they flew off, leaving the box behind.
We think this was a perfect example of bee democracy in action! Through their intricate communication (like the famous waggle dance), bees make collective decisions about where to live. Maybe they decided the box was too small or not quite right for their colony. Either way, they all agreed to move on and find a better fit.
Bee democracy refers to the collective decision-making process that honey bee colonies use to make important group decisions, like choosing a new home or selecting a queen. When a colony needs to swarm (often to find a new hive), scout bees search for potential sites, then communicate their findings through the waggle dance, a special movement that conveys distance, direction, and quality of the site. The bees “vote” by dancing—those who like a site will dance for it, and over time, the colony reaches a consensus. This process ensures that the colony’s decision is based on the collective judgment of many, helping them find the best possible home for survival.
It’s incredible how these tiny creatures work together to ensure the survival of the colony. Bee democracy is real—and it’s a reminder that sometimes, collective decision-making leads to the best outcomes.