Bug Identifier
Honey Bee
Community identification

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Apidae
Size
10 to 15 mm (0.39 to 0.59 inches) for workers
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found globally in diverse environments including meadows, open woodlands, gardens, and agricultural areas where flowering plants are present.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on nectar for sugar/energy and pollen for protein and fats.

Behavior Patterns

Highly eusocial insects living in complex colonies. They communicate through 'waggle dances' and exhibit specialized roles such as foraging, nursing, and guarding.

Risks & Benefits

Crucial pollinators for wild plants and crops, providing huge economic and ecological benefits. Risk of stinging if threatened, which can be dangerous for individuals with allergies.