A small, native, stingless bee which plays an important role in pollinating many species.

Sugarbag bees - Tetragonula carbonaria in flight - Photo by Alex Pawlow

They also produce an edible honey (in much smaller quantities than traditional honey bees) however it is considered very tasty. They usually build their hives in old timber, however can also take residence in walls, entering through small openings.

They do not cause any damage and to have a nest of these around should be considered a privilege. The only visible evidence of the next is a stained area of cerumen (beeswax and a secretion of the worker bees).