We look closely at the internal structures of the hive including the brood spiral, involucrum, pollen pots and newly emerged and further matured bees.

We learn how Tetragonula carbonaria bees are classified and the features that differentiate them from other bees species.

We learn how the lifecycle stages that the mature queen undergoes. We also learn the life stages of the bees, from the development of brood cells through to their emergence as mature bees.

There are certain ‘tells’ people use to locate hives in the bush. Discover techniques used to locate hives.

Native bees have been utilised in agriculture to increase pollination rates of various crops, which in turn improves quality and yield. This lesson describes some of the crops that have benefited from pollination with native bees.

Where harvestable honey is located in the hive as well as how to extract the honey from the hive is explained.

• The origins of keeping native bees in Australia

• Aboriginal significance

• The role of developing bees

• Hive distribution and abundance

• Bees and pollination

• Native bee husbandry

• Personal protective equipment

• Record keeping

• Hive designs

• Position of hives

• Animal and plant pests

• Chemical usage

• Sustainability and more