Honey Bee
Apis mellifera · Insect, Invertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild/Managed
Animal Family
Apidae, order Hymenoptera, class Insecta
Animal Category
Insect/Arthropod
Breed / Variety
Western honey bee
Conservation Status
Not evaluated globally for the species as a whole, though many wild populations face severe threats from pesticides and habitat loss.
About This Creature
Small winged insect characterized by distinct black and yellow stripes, fuzzy bodies, and translucent wings.
Physical Characteristics
Three body segments, six legs, compound eyes, antennae, two pairs of membranous wings, and a stinger.
Behavior & Temperament
Highly social, eusocial insects living in large colonies with a strict caste system, diurnal activity, and defensive stinging behavior.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, now globally distributed
Habitat
Forest, grassland, agricultural, and urban areas; Terrestrial and aerial
Diet & Nutrition
Herbivore/Nectarivore, feeding primarily on nectar and pollen from flowering plants.
Lifespan & Health
Workers live for a few weeks to months during active seasons; queens can live several years. Prone to various mites, diseases, and colony collapse disorder.
Special Characteristics
Produces honey, performs the waggle dance to communicate food locations, and is vital for global pollination.
Ecological Information
Crucial keystone pollinator supporting global ecosystems, plant reproduction, and biodiversity.