Bees are essential to our survival, and they’re in trouble in countries around the world. Scientists aren’t sure what’s causing their decline, but are researching frantically to find out. Without bees to pollinate them, our global plants are in jeopardy, so you can help by joining in any petition or initiative you see to ban pesticides that are harmful to bees.

To help you appreciate the beauty of bees, enjoy some stupendous close-up photos just posted by National Geographic — you’ll never look at bees in the same way again! Their colours, complexity, incredible variety…take a look.