Boffins have discovered a way for hives to communicate over hundreds of miles - by creating the world's first 'walkie talkies' for BEES.

The tiny robot records the intricate method bees use to communicate with each other through a complex series of buzzing and dancing - and can replicate it or share with other machines.

Their behaviour is so realistic it fools real bees into thinking they're part of the hive, and the wireless transmitter means that one robot in one hive can repeat a 'waggle dance' message to another hive hundreds of miles away.

The Swiss team have also explored a similar concept with fish and are getting equally promising results - and can even send bee instructions to fish.