Western Honey Bee
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Apidae
Size: 12-15 mm for worker bees

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