
Community identification
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera, Apidae
- Size
- 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 inches)
Natural Habitat
Gardens, meadows, woodlands, and urban areas near nectar sources
Diet & Feeding
Nectar and pollen from a wide variety of flowering plants
Behavior Patterns
Eusocial insects living in large colonies with a queen, drones, and female workers. Highly organized division of labor and complex communication through 'waggle dances'.
Risks & Benefits
Essential pollinators for ecosystems and agriculture. They produce honey and wax. Risk is a painful sting, which can be life-threatening to those with allergies.