For a number of years now Jeff has had one of his hives at Jervis Bay Brewing for the patrons to enjoy watching the native bees come and go and pollinate the environment close by to the brewery.
Recently the hive was so healthy Jeff decided it was time to split the hive and patrons were able to witness the wonders spiral pattern.
The hives do not resemble those found in other bee populations in a number of ways:
• The hives have an intricate, clockwise spiraling design.
• Each hive features only one entrance.
• The hive entrances are coated with a pathogen-blocking sticky layer, an extra line of defense for the bees which, according to Heard, “do not have a sting although they can give you a little bite with their jaws.”
Some scientists also offer up the theory that the shape creates better conditions for air circulation.
Shoalhaven Native Bees 