As World Bee Day approaches on 20 May, offering a timely reminder of pollinators' vital role in food security, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, many might find themselves pondering the intricate lives of the bees buzzing through their gardens. Distinguishing a common buff-tailed bumblebee from its parasitic cuckoo relative, or understanding which species can sting and which prefer a bee hotel to an underground nest, can seem a daunting task. Fortunately, expert guidance is at hand. Dave Goulson , founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust a nd a professor of biology at Sussex University, offers a comprehensive insight into these fascinating insects in his new publication, The Bee Spotter’s Guide. Goulson reveals that bees exhibit a surprising diversity in their habitats, from burrows and tree holes to even empty snail shells. Many also have favourite flowers, with some males even sleeping curled up within blooms. "Quite a lot do that, because the males don’t typically have a nest.…