They are small, but important to our food and ecosystem. Within a few years, they had lost millions. In celebration of May 20 on World Bee Day, learn about these complex pollinating insects that inspire philosophical wisdom in theater.
The language of bees
Did you know that honeycomb, or honeycomb, has one of the most detailed communication systems in the animal world? In fact, this forager hides foul substances that allow it to send information to other members of its colony.
Host Charles Tisseyre is interested in this topic on the show Discovery on September 18, 1994.
” Some forms of communication of bees are so complex that scientists agree that these insects have developed a real language. “
Austrian zoologist Karl von Frisch decodes the dance language of bees. In early 1919, he made a nest where he could observe the movement of these creatures. A few years later, he realizes that their swarming is in fact an organized code to send messages. A form of dance.
Why do bees communicate in complex ways? It will be a question of safety. A detailed communication system allows them, for example, to know the best source of nectar. A great way to collect food efficiently!
theater bees
According to the French philosopher Michel Onfray, bees teach us the same lesson that Nietzsche taught. “We are not free, we have no choice. We are a product of necessity. “
In 2012, Usine C, in Montreal, staged Michel Onfray’s text in the play The wisdom of bees. Journalist Tanya Lapointe went on the scene for Telejournal Greater Montreal 18 h September 12, 2012.
Director Jean Lambert-Wild chose to use real insects to illustrate the author’s words. The bees, which originated in Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu, were found on the roof of Usine C. From their nest, they passed through a pipe to animate a brilliant statue, on stage.
An existential exploration that requires, according to the journalist, a certain intellectual effort.
A magical disease that kills bees
” Across America and Europe, bees are missing by the millions. “
This was explained by host Charles Tisseyre on the show Discovery on September 14, 2008. Scientists call this phenomenon, which appeared in 2006, “colony collapse syndrome of bees”.
What are the causes of rapid death of forager bees? Entomologists accuse Varroa, a parasitic mite that feeds on the blood of bees. But as Charles Tisseyre says, Varroa doesn’t kill them.
Scientists believe they have already found the culprits. The IIV virus and the microscopic fungus Nosema Ceranae attack the intestines of bees. When they act together, they can cause his death.
The decline of these insects continues to worry beekeepers as large losses are recorded in North America. Our agricultural practices may explain this absence. The use of pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, and monoculture are excluded.
The phenomenon is particularly troubling because a large portion of the fruits, vegetables and other plants we eat are dependent on bee pollination.
Source: Radio-Canada