Why do bees have hexagonal honeycombs?

Bees build hexagonal honeycombs because the shape is highly efficient for storage and structural integrity. The hexagon uses the least amount of wax to construct while maximising storage space for honey and larvae. This geometry ensures there are no gaps between cells, creating a compact and sturdy structure. Additionally, the hexagonal shape evenly distributes weight and resists deformation, making the honeycomb strong enough to hold the colony’s food and brood. This natural engineering marvel demonstrates the bees’ incredible instinct for optimisation.