This is the bizarre moment a nest of bees formed a mesmerising 'defensive wave' in response to loud music - giving the appearance they were dancing along with the tune.

Footage shows the swarm of insects appearing to ripple across their hive during festivities at a temple in Chai Nat province, Thailand, on March 5.

Onlookers said the swarm resembled a disco light blaring in time with the music as the bees appeared to join in with the Buddhist festival.

The honeybees were actually producing a rare 'defensive wave' as they felt threatened by the loud noise from the speakers.

In a defensive wave, the bees raise their abdomens at an angle in unison, sometimes accompanied by a synchronous stroking of wings, creating a shimmering effect to confuse predators such as wasps that approach too close to the hive.