Games and Learning Activities

Quiz: What do bees smell like?

Bees have a remarkable sense of smell but did you know that they also have a scent of their own that humans can perceive? In some bee species, this scent is influenced by the pollen they collect from particular plants, which can have distinctive aromas. But what do bees actually smell like? Take our Bee Scent Quiz and discover how our RestPoll member Sean Brik Bek Craig describes the scent of wild bees.

Bee scent quiz

Our RestPoll project member Sean Birk Bek Craig (Aarhus University) has the rare ability to identify bees by smell. Can you guess what these bee species smell like?

1 / 5

What does the Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) smell like?

Spicy and warm, with notes of cinnamon and clove

Acidic, with notes reminiscent of English toffee

Sweet and floral, reminiscent of honey and rose petals

Bright and citrusy, with notes of lime zest

2 / 5

What is the scent of the Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva)?

Raspberry

Strawberry

Lemon

Rose

3 / 5

What is the smell of the Hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes)?

Like freshly cut grass after a summer rain

Like crisp ocean air with a hint of salt

Like smoky wood from a campfire

Like the air released from an inflatable rubber mattress

4 / 5

What is the scent of Nomad bees (Nomada)?

Fruity and tropical, like ripe mango

Earthy and woody, like damp forest soil

Caramelly or rose-like

Fresh and herbal, reminiscent of mint leaves

5 / 5

What does the Yellow-legged mining bee (Andrena flavipes) smell like?

Whisky

Tobacco

Coffee

Chocolate

Your score is

“I think I got a lot of inspiration from many different places, but smelling has been a very pivotal part for me. It's made me become more inquisitive with a new sense that I didn’t use before.”

Sean Birk Bek Craig

Learn more about Sean