Western Honey Bee

Natural Habitat

Gardens, meadows, woodlands, and orchards where flowering plants are present; they reside in managed hives or wild cavities such as hollow trees.

Diet & Feeding

Nectar and pollen collected from a wide variety of flowering plants.

Behavior Patterns

Highly social insects living in complex colonies. They exhibit a division of labor with a queen, drones, and worker bees who forage, build wax combs, and protect the hive. Known for their 'waggle dance' communication.

Risks & Benefits

Essential pollinators for ecosystem health and commercial agriculture. They produce honey and wax. Although generally non-aggressive, they can sting if they feel the hive or themselves are threatened; stings can cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 5/17/2026