Bug Identifier
Honey Bee Larva
Community identification

Honey Bee Larva

Apis mellifera

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Apidae
Size
C-shaped, growing from 1 to 6 mm as they mature
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Within the wax cells of a beehive

Diet & Feeding

Royal jelly initially, then a mixture of honey and pollen (bee bread)

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are sedentary and cared for by nurse bees; they undergo five instars before pupating

Risks & Benefits

Vital pollinators for ecosystems and agriculture; they pose no personal risk as larvae but are essential for honey production