The defenders

ID: Stingless bee(ID confirmation appreciated)

While on a look out for something interesting along the trail, spotted this particular spot on the tree which seemed to have been converted into the castle for the tiny stingless bees. There seemed to be these five beauties that, probably, kept a look out, almost safeguarding the entrance area, or maintaining it, and almost after a particular moment one of the, would move out to allow the other busy bee to get in or head out. The whole entrance of the hidden place seemed to be very sticky, atleast visually, probably a way to keep predators away?

EXIF:
Canon 80D
Canon 100mm macro
F/14
Shutterspeed 1/200
ISO 640
Handheld, Built in flash fired

Location: Maharashtra nature park

Agree it does look like they are guarding the place. Each one facing different directions to keep a watch. Good details on the head area. The sticky substance looks quite shiny, causing lot of reflections. It will restrict ants and other smaller insects from getting in. Good capture. Thanks for sharing.