
Community identification
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
- Order & Family
- Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Apidae
- Size
- 1.2 cm to 1.5 cm for workers; queens and drones are slightly larger.
Natural Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats including meadows, gardens, forests, and agricultural areas, specifically near flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Forage for nectar (carbohydrates) and pollen (protein) from flowering plants.
Behavior Patterns
Eusocial insects living in complex colonies with a single queen, thousands of female workers, and male drones. They communicate through the 'waggle dance' to indicate the location of food sources.
Risks & Benefits
Essential pollinators for crops and wild plants, providing immense ecological and economic benefits. They can sting in defense, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.