Envirotube - Australian Native Stingless Bees. Tetragonula carbonaria. The PIPE and the KOATH. In this third episode of the KOATH series Peter Clarke retrofits the new KOATH for the first time and demonstrates new methods of caring for Australian native bees. The Pipe is a new idea that copies a very old defense system. As old as bees themselves. KOATH is a variation on the OATH hive. Take a look and you'll understand what we mean. Presented by peter Clarke, directed by Howard Jackson, Wildhoop. For most Australians the only connection they have with insects is from the wrong end of a spray can. Bees are essential members of our ecological communities and their communities are under threat worldwide. These hardworking insects pollinate our gardens and food crops. Australia has over 1,500 species of native bee, and the Sydney region is home to about 200 species. Of these, only one species (Tetragonula carbonaria) lives socially, storing honey and pollen in its hive. The remaining 199 or so live solitary lives, and nest in a variety of substrates such as hollow stems, old borer holes and dead tree branches. Native bee hives (Tetragonula carbonaria) Tetragonula carbonaria is the only species of social bee native to the Ku-ring-gai area. Ku-ring-gai Council's WildThings program runs an initiative where Ku-ring-gai residents are given a native bee hive to help pollinate and to create a positive relationship between people and this native insect. Our hives are normally placed inside a protective foam box on the ground but residents have found creative ways to raise them off the ground or design a 'new look' outer. Native Bees Tetragonula brochure 2014.pdf (pdf. 310KB) Native bee hive program waitlist 2017 - now closed The waitlist for a native bee hive is now full for the 2017 Ku-ring-gai residents native bee program. We will re-open later in the year if there is further availability. Out of area native bee hive sales If you are not a resident of Ku-ring-gai but are interested in purchasing a native bee hive then please email your contact details, including suburb, to wildthings@kmc.nsw.gov.au. The program is seasonal and we currently do not have any bee hives in stock. However will add your details to a mailing list and send details later in the year. More information For more information on native bees please visit the WildThings website. Our native bee initiatives are a part of Ku-ring-gai Council’s Wild Things program, which also includes Pool to Pond. Phone: Peter Clarke on 9424 0811 or Liz Gibson on 9424 0618. Email: wildthings@kmc.nsw.gov.au