Western Honey Bee

Scientific Name: Apis mellifera

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Apidae

Size: 12-15 mm for worker bees

Western Honey Bee

Natural Habitat

Diverse landscapes including meadows, gardens, forests, and agricultural areas where flowering plants are abundant.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on nectar and pollen from flowers, which they collect to feed the hive colony.

Behavior Patterns

Highly social insects living in complex colonies with a queen, drones, and worker bees; known for their waggle dance communication and honey production.

Risks & Benefits

Essential pollinators for ecosystem health and food security; they can sting if threatened, posing a risk of allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 5/22/2026