These spiral hives are the work of a type of Australian stingless bees.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeo
Twitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInsta
Tetragonula carbonaria is the only species to build upward, in a spiral pattern. Called "sugarbag bees," the insects are highly social, with one queen overseeing thousands of workers. A batch of 80 cells is built and provisioned at the same time, and after construction the queen bee will lay eggs in them. It's not clear why these stingless bees employ this unique pattern, but it may make it easier for the queen to navigate the hive.
See the Unique Spiral Hives of the Australian Stingless Bee | National Geographic
https://youtu.be/FueTa810rMI
National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/natgeo