In the enchanting world of bees, where nature’s marvels never cease to amaze, a peculiar species known as the Polyester Bees (Ptiloglossa arizonensis) has captured the attention of scientists and bee enthusiasts alike. These industrious insects, resembling miniature marvels of engineering, have developed a unique way to care for their young—by setting up microbreweries in plastic cribs. Join us on this captivating journey as we explore the intriguing world of Polyester Bees and their beer-scented baby food.
Unveiling the Polyester Bees
Female Polyester Bees, affectionately dubbed “polyester bees” by pollination ecologist Stephen Buchmann of the University of Arizona, are single mothers burdened with numerous responsibilities and limited time. Yet, they possess a remarkable adaptation that enables them to create a substance akin to polyester—an essential ingredient in their extraordinary nursery chambers.
The Chemistry of Polyester
Chemically speaking, the polyester-like plastic secreted by the bees is akin to the polyesters created by humans. The female bee’s abdomen harbors a large gland that produces intricate molecules comprising repeating lactone compounds. These molecules possess a distinct “ester” structural component, lending the resulting plastic its name—polyester.
A Hive of Innovation
To ensure their offspring’s survival long after their passing, solitary female Polyester Bees construct underground nursery tunnels leading to sealed chambers. Within each chamber, they initiate the process of fermenting pollen from Solanum nightshade flowers, watery nectar from Agave plants, and beneficial bacteria. This magical concoction serves as the primary ingredient in their runny beer-scented baby food.
Crafting the Perfect Nest
Mother bees meticulously apply the translucent, sturdy plastic substance to the walls of their urn-shaped nursery chambers. Using their delicate tongues as paintbrushes, they coat the walls with gland secretion. This transparent plastic layer ensures a cozy, high-humidity environment within the brood chamber while also keeping potential threats at bay.
Doomsday Preppers of the Insect World
The P. arizonensis bees studied in Arizona by Buchmann face a race against time. Females have a mere few weeks to stockpile their plastic retreats with enough sustenance to sustain their young underground for nearly a year. Each generation of these magnificent bees grows up nourished solely by their mother’s limited-edition blend of nectar and pollen—a brew that remarkably resembles the aroma of beer.
Beyond Play-Doh Consistency
While many bee species blend their baby food to achieve a Play-Doh-like consistency, the baby food stored within the cellophane bee nests of Polyester Bees is distinct. A mere tilt of the nursery chamber reveals a watery cascade of nutrient-rich sustenance. This unique characteristic can be attributed to the unusually watery nectar collected by these polyester bees, mainly sourced from the candelabra-shaped bloom spikes of agave plants.
Unlocking the Secrets of Bee Microbiomes
Curiosity led bee microbiome researcher Tobin Hammer of the University of California, Irvine, to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Polyester Bees’ beer-scented brew. Collaborating with Buchmann and his team, Hammer embarked on a multi-year endeavor to collect these exceptional bees, their brood cells, and their food sources. The goal was to unveil the composition of the microbial community responsible for fermentation.
The Astonishing Findings
Buchmann describes their discoveries as “quite shocking.” Despite the undeniable beer-like fragrance emanating from the food, their investigations revealed an absence of yeast within the fermentation process. Instead, the researchers identified an abundance of lactic acid bacteria, which dominates the unique brood cell microbiomes of these cellophane bees. The resulting baby food, though reminiscent of yogurt or sauerkraut, remains an exceptional source of nutrition for the developing larvae.
A Global Phenomenon
It is worth noting that Polyester Bees are not exclusive to Arizona. Their relatives, such as the Argentinian cellophane bee (Ptiloglossa matutina), also engage in the construction of plastic cribs and the provision of beer-scented baby food for their young. These diverse species share the ability to create nursery chambers equipped with plastic linings, ensuring the survival and development of future generations.
The Mysteries Yet to Unravel
While the discovery of the Polyester Bees’ brewing capabilities sheds light on their exceptional adaptation, there are still unanswered questions. The process by which bees select specific microbes for their baby food remains an enigma, tantalizing scientists with the allure of further exploration. How these remarkable insects navigate the intricate world of microbial selection within their nests is an ongoing research endeavor that promises exciting revelations.
In conclusion, Polyester Bees, with their brewing prowess and plastic cribs, have unveiled an extraordinary facet of nature’s ingenuity. Their ability to provide beer-scented baby food for their young showcases the intricacies of the natural world. The discovery of their unique fermentation process, driven by lactic acid bacteria, has expanded our understanding of the microbial communities that shape the lives of these captivating insects.
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CITATIONS
T.J. Hammer et al. Bee breweries: The unusually fermentative, lactobacilli-dominated brood cell microbiomes of cellophane bees. Frontiers in Microbiology. Vol. 14, April 5, 2023. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1114849.
S. Buchmann. What a Bee Knows; Exploring the Thoughts, Memories, and Personalities of Bees. Island Press, March 2023.