Rear ends in air?

[Davepeg]

Here's a new one for me - I decided to "peek" inside the hives today - just took off the top cover - on the inside of my feeder boxes the bees were walking around with their rear ends up in the air - what the heck is that all about?

[KONASDAD]

nosanoving. sending their scent into the air to orient other bees. Happens when you open hive, and haooens more when you syart to deconstruct their home as in a removal. Hekps queen and other find each other during chaotic time.

[BeeHopper]

What  All this time I thought they were telling me to kiss their...........nevermind 

[BMAC]

What  All this time I thought they were telling me to kiss their...........nevermind 

You never know.  It could be dual purpose.

[Scadsobees]

It is defense as well.  I notice that not only are they mooning me, they have their stinger pointing out.  Sorta like a porcupine.  I've always noticed the bee smell when I open them and associated it with "alarm".

[Pond Creek Farm]

I saw the same thing when I opened my hive and posted the same question.  What I find interesting is that they do not do it every time I open the hive.  I think that is because at this time I still a medium full of honey on top of the brood boxes and not so many bees are up there.  Of course, I could be totally wrong.