20,000-Year-Old Bee Nests Found Inside Fossilised Animal Jaw Sockets

Researchers have discovered fossil evidence of ancient bees nesting inside the empty tooth sockets of fossilised animal jaws in a cave in Hispaniola. The nests, estimated to be around 20,000 years old, have been classified as a new type of trace fossil. The findings indicate that solitary bees repurposed bone cavities as chambers for their eggs, a behaviour not previously documented. Scientists say the discovery highlights the remarkable adaptability of bees in finding unconventional nesting sites. Researchers also suggest that similar overlooked evidence may already exist within fossil collections around the world.