How Bees See Their World

The BBC posted a fascinating, brief story about a creation of British researchers called the "Floral Reflectance Database." Essentially, the information enables humans to "see" plant colors as bees and other pollinating creatures would view them.

We've come to understand the importance of bees in plant propagation. In recent years, a mysterious disease called Colony Collapse Disorder dramatically reduced the estimated bee population in New Jersey, where I live. This episode alarmed farmers and agricultural experts, and informed casual observers not to take bees for granted.

Bees also form part of our lore, whether one considers cliches such as "the birds and the bees," "busy as a bee," or "stings like a bee." Their connection to humankind has antecedents including Pharaonic Egypt, ancient Israel, and Homeric Greece. Bees play interesting roles in various mythologies and religions; their connection to fertility is unmistakable and timeless.

A long time ago, I knew someone who decided to become a beekeeper. At that time, France was concerned about a rural population drain in the Pyrenees. To encourage a more permanent, sustainable population in that area, the government permitted immigrants to settle there, as long as they performed some useful agricultural occupation. The program enabled participants to eventually become fully enfranchised French citizens. My acquaintance and her partner determined that the program was something they wanted to do, and off to southwestern France they went.

I still have a slide showing me and the beekeeper standing in front of a Parisian boulangerie.

Lately, my wife and I occasionally visit a local farm which has an apiary. We enjoy its reliable, fresh honey and gain comfort from its humble, yet important work. This support, which doubles as a simple, accessible pleasure, is something more of us can do. We need bees--and they need us.

The color photograph shows a bee pendant from Crete; the ornament is associated with bee worship. The other photograph shows a Sumerian bee goddess.