Signalling a creature without record (7)

I believe the answer is:

beeping

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'signalling' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are present participle verbs, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'a creature without record' is the wordplay.
'a creature' becomes 'bee' (bee is a kind of creature).
'without record' becomes 'ping' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'bee'+'ping'='BEEPING'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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