Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 03:02:39 am

Title: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 03:02:39 am
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6Ubourj3_I[/youtube]


Bugs from mars eating the propolis on my hives. What are the bugs?

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: annette on March 31, 2009, 03:46:45 am
Looks like some sort of bee??? You have some strange and wonderous things down in Florida, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: BjornBee on March 31, 2009, 07:41:10 am
I don't think they are eating it. Buy hey, I don't think honey is bee barf either.....  :-D

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 08:12:11 am
I don't think they are eating it. Buy hey, I don't think honey is bee barf either.....  :-D



Bee barf may be a crude term. However it is accurate.
http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/073097.html
http://www.vimeo.com/3808120  The 9:00 minute mark.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: BjornBee on March 31, 2009, 08:43:17 am
I don't think they are eating it. Buy hey, I don't think honey is bee barf either.....  :-D



Bee barf may be a crude term. However it is accurate.
http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/073097.html
http://www.vimeo.com/3808120  The 9:00 minute mark.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

I find it ironic that Florida passes a law, and other states are following suit, trying to define not just what honey is, but for reasons to include adding value to the product we produce, that being honey. Oh yes, Honey....glorified 100% carbohydrate "sugar"! Why care if it is marketed as 100% BEE BARF or something with sugar added? Afterall, the calorie count is the same isn't it? Maybe the adulterated fake honey producers could use this angle...."our product contains less BEE BARF as compared to honey producing Beekeepers!"

Some I'm sure will think the whole bee barf thing cute. Someone will suggest it good marketing. Such is life.

I'll continue to think that it is a negative image being promoted to the consumer and public, and NOT in the best interest to beekeepers.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: catfishbill on March 31, 2009, 09:49:39 am
holy cow the martians have landed and set up hives in fla!AHHHHHH! :-D
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: bullybrink on March 31, 2009, 10:16:15 am
I think it may be this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halictidae
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 11:11:24 am
I think it may be this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halictidae

We have sweat bees like the article mentions. They are however not as large but I believe you are right in that it is probably some type of Halictidae. Thank you for finding that. I found it neat that they were so interested in the propolis.

Sincerely,
Brendhan


Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 11:14:00 am
holy cow the martians have landed and set up hives in fla!AHHHHHH! :-D

Take me to your honey.
(http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:KRVlb9SBP-mmEM:http://static.flickr.com/46/163714431_107a1bf7dc_o.jpg)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Kathyp on March 31, 2009, 11:14:13 am
whatever it is, it's cool looking.

i like your new quote  :-D
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 11:27:35 am
I don't think they are eating it. Buy hey, I don't think honey is bee barf either.....  :-D



Bee barf may be a crude term. However it is accurate.
http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/073097.html
http://www.vimeo.com/3808120  The 9:00 minute mark.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

I find it ironic that Florida passes a law, and other states are following suit, trying to define not just what honey is, but for reasons to include adding value to the product we produce, that being honey. Oh yes, Honey....glorified 100% carbohydrate "sugar"! Why care if it is marketed as 100% BEE BARF or something with sugar added? Afterall, the calorie count is the same isn't it? Maybe the adulterated fake honey producers could use this angle...."our product contains less BEE BARF as compared to honey producing Beekeepers!"

Some I'm sure will think the whole bee barf thing cute. Someone will suggest it good marketing. Such is life.

I'll continue to think that it is a negative image being promoted to the consumer and public, and NOT in the best interest to beekeepers.


Because of my appeal to youth and my staying in touch with my inner child, I think it is actually quite appealing. I would have probably eaten Brussel Sprouts if my parents told me they would have given me mutant powers. They didn't and I don't eat Brussel Sprouts because of it. a definite failing on behalf of my parents. My therapist and I are working on that.

Even in beekeeping a sense of humor is needed. While this one may not appeal to you. It does have large appeal to others who can find the humor in it. Not everything in beekeeping has to be serious and it is ok to poke fun at beekeeping.


Quote
Maybe the adulterated fake honey producers could use this angle...."our product contains less BEE BARF as compared to honey producing Beekeepers!"
And that I found very funny. I may have to use that. Only the best bee barf for sale.


Also it still doesn't change the fact that honey is bee barf. Even if you choose not to think it is.

Sincerely,
Brendhan


Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 11:29:57 am
whatever it is, it's cool looking.

i like your new quote  :-D
Slightly off topic.

If you have not seen Dr. Horribles Sing A Blog. I highly recommend it. Funny Funny Funny.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/28343/dr-horribles-sing-along-blog

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Romahawk on March 31, 2009, 11:59:38 am
I don't post a lot but I'm afraid I must chime in on BjornBee's side on this. Bee Barf is not an appealing description of honey. I think it would put honey in a bad light with a lot more people than it would appeal to.

I though the honey storage tank was different than the bees gut, if so then honey can not be bee barf. I think it would be of great benefit to the huge majority of beekeepers to see that phrase disappear quietly into the sunset.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Rich V on March 31, 2009, 01:00:27 pm
I don't post a lot but I'm afraid I must chime in on BjornBee's side on this. Bee Barf is not an appealing description of honey. I think it would put honey in a bad light with a lot more people than it would appeal to.

I though the honey storage tank was different than the bees gut, if so then honey can not be bee barf. I think it would be of great benefit to the huge majority of beekeepers to see that phrase disappear quietly into the sunset.

I have to agree. Bee barf needs to disappear.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: HomeBru on March 31, 2009, 05:26:39 pm
MHB (Martianized Honey Bees)!!!  :-D :-D
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: DM on March 31, 2009, 05:55:07 pm
Type in green bees on google   They seem to be Genus Agapostemon - Metallic Green Bees?


DM
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Michael Bush on March 31, 2009, 07:51:13 pm
It looks like they have pollen baskets and are collecting it to take home.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on March 31, 2009, 08:44:09 pm
Very cool video Brendhan. I've seen sweat bees a few times here before, never have seen them do what you've videoed though. That is very special footage.

What's cool is those sweat bees or whatever they are, are gathering propolis to take back to their nest and your bees allowed them to do this, they must be friends.

I just call my bee barf honey. If your customers find it amusing and are buying your product good for you.


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on March 31, 2009, 08:56:00 pm
Because of my appeal to youth and my staying in touch with my inner child, I think it is actually quite appealing. I would have probably eaten Brussel Sprouts if my parents told me they would have given me mutant powers. They didn't and I don't eat Brussel Sprouts because of it. a definite failing on behalf of my parents. My therapist and I are working on that.
Sincerely,
Brendhan

Oh, you funnnneeeee!!!  YOu do indeed stay in touch with your inner child, smiling.....seems to me I remember you walking by the beautiful asparagus growing in my garden, and you said "yuk", I don't do asparagus, or any other green vegetable....smiling....Have the wonderful and beautiful day, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on March 31, 2009, 09:38:32 pm
(http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)

Brussels rule! They are my favorite vegetables!


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on March 31, 2009, 09:41:32 pm
(http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)

Brussels rule! They are my favorite vegetables!


...JP

What mutant super power did they give you? :mrgreen:

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on March 31, 2009, 09:44:11 pm
They help me do my part to put a dent in the ozone layer! :-D


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on March 31, 2009, 09:50:41 pm
Brendhan, awe come on, JP's mutant super power is being a Swarm King, don't you think that rather odd?   :lol: 8-) :shock: ;) :) :) :)  Wonderful days in this wonderful life, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: charles on March 31, 2009, 10:16:10 pm
Enjoying brussels sprouts IS a mutant superpower.

One which I have.

As for bee barf, I would imagine that bees find the way mammals nurse their young quite disgusting!
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Sean Kelly on April 01, 2009, 06:07:15 pm
Brendhan, how many wings do they have?  Do they have mandibles?  They sure look like a bee but really act like a fly.  Neat color of green, it's close to the color I want to paint my pickup!

Sean Kelly
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on April 01, 2009, 06:36:08 pm
Brendhan, how many wings do they have?  Do they have mandibles?  They sure look like a bee but really act like a fly.  Neat color of green, it's close to the color I want to paint my pickup!

Sean Kelly

Excellent questions to which I do not have any answers.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: whiteflyer on April 01, 2009, 06:49:48 pm
bee barf. they didn't barf just once but many times
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: annette on April 02, 2009, 12:07:07 am
Oh forgot to mention that I just love brussel sprouts especially if made right. Very healthy for you also.

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on April 02, 2009, 12:11:56 am
Oh forgot to mention that I just love brussel sprouts especially if made right. Very healthy for you also.



Another excellent reason to avoid them. It would interfere with my diet of Twinkies and Ho Hos.  8-)

Sincerely,
Brendhan

 
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: annette on April 02, 2009, 12:16:41 am
OH you younguns can get away with eating all that garbage. A few years down the line and anything green will excite you
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 12:19:59 am
Brussel sprouts, cooked until tender, seasoned with butter, mmm mmm good!

(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)

(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)

(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)


...JP




Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: annette on April 02, 2009, 12:29:35 am
Can you post just one more photo of those brussel sprouts?
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 12:43:23 am
Can you post just one more photo of those brussel sprouts?

Yes

(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1905/108011.th.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011.jpg)


...JP ;)
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Understudy on April 02, 2009, 12:49:27 am
(http://rookery2.viary.com/storagev12/747500/747800_f074_625x1000.jpg) (http://"www.worth1000.com/emailthis.asp?entry=275576")


I Knew It
When i saw this picture I found out my fears where real
brussel sprouts CAN kill you.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: TimLa on April 02, 2009, 08:09:50 pm
Brendan, you owe me a new keyboard   :-D  .  Cleaning up my desk is on the house.

That was one of the funniest things I've seen in a very long time...
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: iddee on April 02, 2009, 08:46:50 pm
You folks can eat that rabbit food. I'll wait and eat the rabbit.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Kathyp on April 02, 2009, 09:14:18 pm
Quote
It would interfere with my diet of Twinkies and Ho Hos.

apparently there is some kind of movie/Twinkie following in england.  i had to mail some to my sister so that her co-workers could try them. 
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on April 02, 2009, 09:22:16 pm
Can you post just one more photo of those brussel sprouts?

Oh Annette, that humour shines through again, and again, and again, now aren't ya glad you asked JP to post another picture, smiling....have that wonderfully great and awesome day, life, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 09:43:45 pm
Can you post just one more photo of those brussel sprouts?

Oh Annette, that humour shines through again, and again, and again, now aren't ya glad you asked JP to post another picture, smiling....have that wonderfully great and awesome day, life, health.  Cindi

For you Cindi (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/197/108011a.th.jpg) (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=108011a.jpg)


...JP ;)
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on April 02, 2009, 09:48:25 pm
JP, oopalah, I could sit and eat an entire meal of those babies!!!  Beautiful days in these great lives, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 10:02:08 pm
JP, oopalah, I could sit and eat an entire meal of those babies!!!  Beautiful days in these great lives, health.  Cindi

Lord have mercy Cindi, are you and I the only ones on here that enjoy a good plate of brussels??


...JP :lol:
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on April 02, 2009, 10:04:00 pm
JP, sounds like it, they just don't know where it's at, smiling.....Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Kathyp on April 02, 2009, 10:12:01 pm
i love them.  that and broccoli are about the only two green veggies i like.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 10:18:20 pm
i love them.  that and broccoli are about the only two green veggies i like.

You like artichokes? What about bok choy? Lima beans are my favorite although technically a legume.

Green peas? Green beans? Italian green beans, now we're talkin'!


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Kathyp on April 02, 2009, 10:20:30 pm
artichokes and avacados...although i guess that's a fruit?  no peas, and i can take or leave beans unless they are raw off the bush.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 02, 2009, 10:25:24 pm
Avocados are a fruit but they're green so go for it! You like the Californians or the Florida variety?


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Kathyp on April 02, 2009, 10:31:58 pm
being from CA that's what i always ate.  then we moved up here and i'll take what i can get.  they are so expensive here! if i'm lucky, i can get a good price  in the dented can store, but then i have to eat a bunch of them all at once!   :-D
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: tlynn on April 02, 2009, 10:39:09 pm
 :lau:

This thread is just busting me up!  I about sprayed my sip of water all over the laptop with the brussel sprout revolver!  Thanks for the laughs!  :lau:   :lau:   :lau:
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: annette on April 03, 2009, 12:16:32 am
JP, oopalah, I could sit and eat an entire meal of those babies!!!  Beautiful days in these great lives, health.  Cindi

Lord have mercy Cindi, are you and I the only ones on here that enjoy a good plate of brussels??


...JP :lol:

What about me??  Didn't you see my post how much I love them also??  Why did you leave me out??  :idunno: :idunno: :idunno:



hee! hee!
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on April 03, 2009, 01:19:19 am
Oh Annette, you sweet thing, you're drivin' me mad!!!  We love you gal, you not being left out, come on, get up, don't worry about it, smiling....you know we love you and know that you LOVE VEGGIES!!!!!(suck it up Brendhan, you shoulda ate your green veggies!!!)  You have a wonderful and sweet night, a great day tomorrow, and remember.....we are here!!  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 03, 2009, 01:23:31 am
Nah, I didn't leave you out Annette, we know you love those veggies!


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Irwin on April 03, 2009, 10:54:17 am
JP, oopalah, I could sit and eat an entire meal of those babies!!!  Beautiful days in these great lives, health.  Cindi

Lord have mercy Cindi, are you and I the only ones on here that enjoy a good plate of brussels??


...JP :lol:
You can add me to the list :)
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Bee Happy on April 08, 2009, 11:51:56 pm
They look like "squash bees" (if they start robbing - 'squash'  them). last year in my aforementioned failed garden I found one of these visiting my blossoms - not industrious enough for my liking. but out of curiosity I searched to see what natural pollinators would show up in the absence of my neighbor's honey bees.  - it looks very similar anyway. why they want the propolis I couldn't say.
 :deadhorse:barf - puke- spew - vomit  I'm a little perturbed by the terms but it's still very nice honey just the same.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Brian D. Bray on April 10, 2009, 01:16:45 am
I like Food, except for Squash and Sweet Taters or Yams.  They both have a stringy texture that makes me thing of snotty flossing string.   :imsorry:

Brussell Sprouts are delish just about anyway you want to fix them.  Think of them as Popcorn cabbages to go along with the popcorn shrimp.  I often saute them in a marianade or steam them.  Steamed with a little butter, or a cream sauce...makes me hungry.
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Cindi on April 10, 2009, 10:51:36 pm
I like Food, except for Squash and Sweet Taters or Yams.  They both have a stringy texture that makes me thing of snotty flossing string.   :imsorry:

Ewe, ewe, ewe!!!  Brian!!!   :lol: :-X :-\  Have that wonderful, most awesome life, day, health.  Cindi
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: BjornBee on April 11, 2009, 07:20:28 am
I like Food, except for Squash and Sweet Taters or Yams. 

Sweet taters and yams are two completely different things. Except for the fact they both have stringy stuff..:)
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: JP on April 11, 2009, 09:56:20 am
The yams and sweet potatoes we get don't have too much stringy stuff. I happen to love both with butter, seasoning and maple syrup.

Yum!


...JP
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: poka-bee on April 11, 2009, 04:08:13 pm
Brendhan, what cool bugs!  Did you catch one?  Poke it to see if it had a stinger or if it tried to bite? Did it use it's mandibles to gather the propolis?  How bout the tongue, was it like a fly or a bee?  I LOVE Brussels & artichokes, bokchoy, fresh off the vine green beans, peas raw from the shell not cooked...pretty much everything except avocados & Lima's. :-P
Avocados remind me of squished tomato horn worms & Lima's have that liver type texture UGH!  Today for the family dinner am making roasted yams w/spring onion, garlic & honey, asparagus & marinated cukes/tomatoes/spring onions! My brother got a smoker & is making ribs!  YUMMMMMMM!  J
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: hankdog1 on April 11, 2009, 05:45:08 pm
I have to say interesting video.  Seen insects that look like that but never that big.  I'm sure your going to get some interesting ideas on what it is. lol
Title: Re: Some strange green things eating the propolis on my hives
Post by: Dane Bramage on April 11, 2009, 06:45:21 pm
+1 on the Agapostemon - Halictid Bee ID

(http://www.myrmecos.net/insects/Agapostemon3.JPG)

It would be interesting to see their nest(s).

As for bee barf, I would imagine that bees find the way mammals nurse their young quite disgusting!

Got lactating excretion?  ;)