A lacework of bees hanging together, leg-to-leg, between the frames of comb is called a “festoon” and the behavior is called “festooning.” The bees hang in sheets within the hive. A festoon is often only one layer thick, and the design is open and airy. Beekeepers have lots of explanations for this behavior. Some say the structure acts like a scaffolding from which the bees build comb, and some say bees can only produce wax from the festooning position. Scientists, however, are much less confident about the function of festooning. Most agree that there is no known function. To help you little ones learn about this concept, we created our own wall of bees!