Pollinators in art through the ages: Bees, hives, and apiaries

Art is a powerful tool that can foster connections, dialogue and understanding among entomologists and other people. It can also provide insight into the rich history people share with certain insects, notably pollinators like eusocial honey bees that provide valuable products, like honey, wax, and pollination services. This talk provides an overview of portrayals of honey bees, hives, and apiaries in art through the centuries, from Mesolithic rock paintings of honey gathering, to various types of hives and apiaries, to a modern immersive hive experience. It will also touch on the way in which bees and bee hives were used symbolically to represent concepts such as diligence, hard work, and political systems.