butt thumping?

[beedad]

ive noticed every once in a while bees that thump their abdomen against the comb.  ive seen it with and with out smoke, and it dosnt seem to me that its threatening to me.  as in warning the other bees about me.  but i have no idea.  anyone know what this might be?

[beedad]

has anyone else ever noticed this happening? is it maybe something weird like washboarding?

[Bee Happy]

are they cleaning their hind legs or is it a faster motion?
I've seen and heard of something described to me as the "joy" dance where a bee rattles her abdomen, but she isn't communicating a source of something - just (apparently) dancing for the sake of dancing.

[Scadsobees]

I see that too. Looks a bit like part of the waggle dance, but I'm sure its not since they do it when its dark out too.  Not sure why, but must be some kind of communication.

Maybe we can call it the "Booty dance"!  :mrgreen:

Rick

[Bee Happy]

I see that too. Looks a bit like part of the waggle dance, but I'm sure its not since they do it when its dark out too.  Not sure why, but must be some kind of communication.

Maybe we can call it the "Booty dance"!  :mrgreen:

Rick

I bet it is a communication. I notice many of the websites I've visited can describe thoroughly how the dance can indicate direction with remarkable precision, but they all seem to fade off into a mutter when they say the dance also gives distance (and I would just about bet the farm - elevation.)

[beedad]

ive wondered if it was part of a dance too, but its definitely not wag tail.  sometimes they do it on top of other bees.  but i dont think that means anything.  maybe it is just a happy dance.

[Highlandsfreedom]

Well you know when you got the beat you just cant hide it...lol :-P

[Brian D. Bray]

The combs transmit sound waves, thumping the combs is a bee's way of shouting.  Such action will then usually be followed with some kind of communication such as a dance or antenna touching.