This page offers downloadable resources that support the study, appreciation and wonderment of bees. From high-resolution posters to identification tools, everything here is designed to make South African bee diversity more accessible to educators, researchers and naturalists.
Book: Big bees of South Africa – a photographic identification guide to species
Big bees of South Africa by Dr Connal D Eardley is a beautiful introduction to the country’s largest and most easily recognisable bees.
With clear photographs and accessible descriptions, the book invites naturalists, researchers, and bee enthusiasts alike to deepen their appreciation of the country’s wild bees. It is an excellent tool for identification and a valuable resource for anyone interested in native pollinators.
Free download available from SANBI:
Poster: Big Bees of South Africa
This high-resolution poster features large bee species from Big Bees of South Africa by Connal D. Eardley.
Download the High-Resolution Poster
This high-resolution bee poster is free to download and may be printed or shared for personal, educational, or non-commercial use. Please do not alter or reproduce it for sale.
Help spread awareness for wild bees.
Poster: Amegilla
Identification Guide
This identification guide to bees, created by Dr. Connal Eardley, is a valuable tool for researchers, conservationists, and bee enthusiasts. You can download the full document below:
Non-fiction: Honey Mountain by Geoff Tribe
In Dr Geoff Tribe’s debut work, the intricate knowledge gathered over a lifetime of passion for the natural world comes to full fruition. His four-decade career as an entomologist delivers groundbreaking insights across diverse topics, beautifully woven together through compelling stories and imagery.
This fascinating book “Honey Mountain”, documents the history of the Cape honeybee in the Swartland from ancient times and where the earliest Dutch expeditions traded vast amounts of honey at the Heuningberg. The book traces the survival of the honeybees over the centuries despite the drastic changes in the environment occurring around about. In doing so the original vegetation, fauna and inhabitants are described and rock art depicting honeybees is interpreted. This book delves into many areas of study – archaeology, history, linguistics, anthropology, botany, culture, geography and entomology. Over 200 photos lavishly illustrate the text and contain much new material which will enthral and enlighten the reader. The chapter on the banded bee pirates captures new insights into their predations and is uniquely illustrated. Combined with other new discoveries and penetrating insights into the history and events of the various cultures make it an important addition to the library of anyone for whom these subjects are of more than a passing interest.
“Honey Mountain” – Now Available with Special Launch Pricing!
Secure your copy of this groundbreaking debut for just R400 – a special introductory price available exclusively within South Africa.
Smart Shipping Deal: Only R99 shipping via Postnet to your nearest collection point, and here’s the best part – order up to 5 books for the same R99 shipping cost! Perfect for sharing with fellow nature enthusiasts or stocking up.
International readers: For all overseas purchases it will be R400 plus international shipping costs (available on enquiry).
Make a difference: Every purchase directly supports wild bee conservation.
Ready to order? Simply email: wildbees.co.za@gmail.com
Don’t miss this opportunity to own Geoff Tribe’s remarkable 40-year journey through the natural world, filled with stunning imagery and insights you won’t find anywhere else.