FAQ

What is a native species?

A native species has been in New Zealand since before the arrival of humans and has evolved in the environments that existed in New Zealand before human impacts.

What is an exotic species?

A species that has arrived in New Zealand since Maori or European settlement, almost always with the help of humans – accidentally or deliberate. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) were deliberately introduced for honey production, whereas German wasps (Vespula germanica) were accidentally brought in along with spare aeroplane parts.

What are social insects?

Insects that live in colonies with a queen and a range of workers that carry out specialized tasks. The individuals in the colony cooperate to look after young, feed, clean and protect the colony. Honeybees, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), German wasps and ants are all social insects.

What is the solitary bee habit?

Our native bees are solitary. They do not live in colonies; instead, each female builds her own nest, with a separate cell for each larva