Ancient Bees Reveal Diet Through Remarkable Preservation

Researchers in Portugal have discovered a fossilized bee nest containing mummified bees that are remarkably well-preserved, offering insights into bee nesting behavior and evolution. The bees were found in rocks that formed about 3,000 years ago near the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The intact cocoons revealed evidence of pollen from a Brassicaceae plant, indicating the bees' diet. The researchers speculate that the bees were killed by a sudden freeze or flooding, which created a mini-environment that preserved their bodies. This discovery provides valuable information about ancient bee behavior and life history.