Surfer Bees

Just Chillin'     (Photo by Johntex)

Catching a wave often takes place in exotic locations such as Hawaii.

That works if you're a six-foot surfer dude.  But if you’re a six-millimeter surfer bee, your wave might better be found within a glass of lemonade.

Bees that get trapped by their own desires (don’t we all?) can find themselves drenched in lemonade.  Their wings are then too wet for flying, but fortunately not too wet for propelling.

Clever bees then generate waves by asymmetrically flapping their wings.  This creates enough force to move them toward safety.  If they can reach a dry surface within ten minutes, they’ve got it made in the shade (as surfers might say).

Research

https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2019/11/19/To-escape-water-bees-go-surfing/1271574181824/?mpst=5 

Copyright November 19, 2019 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved