Do you know what it means to be loyal? For a swarm of bees in Haverfordwest, West Wales, loyalty was not just a virtue but a matter of life and death. In May 2016, a swarm of approximately 20,000 bees followed a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV for over 48 hours to rescue their trapped queen.

This incredible story highlights the special bond between bees and their queens, showcasing the unique characteristics of these tiny creatures.

Bees are incredibly social creatures that live in colonies with a strict hierarchy. At the heart of this hierarchy is the queen bee, responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the survival of the colony. Worker bees, which are female, are born from eggs laid by the queen and are responsible for foraging, caring for young, and defending the colony. They are incredibly organized and communicate through complex dance patterns and pheromones.

One of the most fascinating aspects of bee behavior is their ability to recognize one another. Bees use scent markings to identify their queen and other members of the colony. This unique ability allows them to maintain their social structure and respond to threats.

In the case of the trapped queen, the bees were able to recognize her scent and follow her to the car, even when she was trapped inside.

Bees are also incredibly resourceful when it comes to traveling. They use their wings to fly and can cover long distances in search of food and shelter. When they swarm, they form a cloud of bees that can be several feet thick, allowing them to protect their queen and navigate through the air. In the case of the trapped queen, the bees used their collective strength to follow the car, even when it was moving.

Honey production is another remarkable aspect of bee behavior. Bees collect nectar from flowers and convert it into honey through a process of regurgitation and evaporation. They store this honey in their hives, using it as a source of energy during the winter months. The unique properties of honey, such as its antibacterial properties, make it a valuable resource for humans.

The story of the trapped queen bee highlights the incredible loyalty and determination of these tiny creatures. Despite the challenges they faced, the bees remained steadfast in their pursuit of their queen, demonstrating the strength of their social bonds.

This remarkable story serves as a testament to the importance of bees in our ecosystem and the need to protect and conserve these incredible creatures.