Ok, this is one of those strange animal stuff I like to blog. So it's real, but don't expect any aliens. Having said that, it is the most alien like thing I have seen on like forever.
Let's start with a video
So, what you just saw is the hive of a small stingless bee scientifically described as Tetragonula hockingsi.
And to nobody's surprise.. It's native to Australia 馃槀 I guess when it comes to everything Australia, it's unique in how it's not actively trying to kill you, just creep the shit out of you.
Here's another short video showing the ins of a hive
Yeah, some serious Alien鈩笍 vibes going on 馃槄
Fortunately with their tiny stingless body (~4 mm for workers) there's not much harm they can do to a human. Other than buzzing in your ears or getting in your eye or something 馃槃
As you might have noticed from the vids above, beekeeping the species is possible although it's a novel practice in Australia.
Here's one last video, there are some more on YouTube, just search for the species name:
Now that I think of it...I'll take the Alien 鈩笍 comment back. I think their hives are more zerg reminiscing 馃槃
Anyways, here's a link to Wikipedia if you'd like to read more on the species! Other than their weird hives though there's really nothing much interesting about them!
Ok friends, this is it for today! As always, see you soon with more bizarre wonders of mother nature :D