A swarm removal expert has shared fascinating insights into the remarkable capabilities of bees.
Carmen Joyce is the founder and manager of Nooga Honey Pot in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Over the years, the beekeeper has proven her outstanding talent for educating about the astonishing world of pollinators on her blog and on social media.
As part of a new series of fact sheet posts on her popular Instagram account, she has now explained: “Insects taste through sensilla, hair-like structures on the body that contain receptor nerve cells, each of which is sensitive to a particular substance.”
Carmen added: “In many insects, for example the honeybee, sensilla are found on the mouthparts, antenna and the tarsi which is the end part of the legs. Honeybees weigh information from both front tarsi to decide whether or not they like the substance and if they do they will extend their tongue.”
In another post, Carmen told her 105,000 followers: “Bees can fly at around 12 miles per hour (19 kph) when returning to their hive with nectar, pollen, propolis or water.”
Asked by a fan whether the pollinators would reach an even higher pace without any cargo, Carmen revealed they might be capable of going at around 15 mph (24 kph).
Honeybees can fly as far as 12 kilometres (7.5 miles). However, they usually focus on food sources within a radius of just three kilometres (1.9 miles), according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
In a Q&A on her Instagram account, Carmen recently reflected on how she got into beekeeping around four years ago.
She explained: “I said to myself: I want bees. I wanted friends and figured that the beekeeping community would be a cool bunch of people.
“So I asked if there were any bees around me on the Nextdoor app and learned hands-on stuff with others during my first year. The following year, I had my own hives.”
Speaking about her intentions, the photography enthusiast said on her website: “As a human with a neurotypical brain, I like to share how bees are grounding and bring a special sensory experience.”
Carmen added: “My new world (after becoming a beekeeper) is a testament to the power of honeybees.”
