Apoidea

Apoidea is a superfamily within the order Hymenoptera that includes the majority of bees (the clade Anthophila) and their closest relatives among wasp lineages. The group is distributed worldwide and occupies a broad range of habitats from deserts to forests and grasslands. The composition of Apoidea is defined largely by evolutionary relationships identified through morphology and molecular data.

Taxonomy and diversity: The best-known members of Apoidea are the bees, which are traditionally grouped into several families, including Andrenidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, and Apidae. Bees exhibit a wide spectrum of social organization, from solitary species to highly eusocial lineages such as honeybees and bumblebees. Apoidea also includes other lineages of predatory wasps that are closely related to bees, reflecting their shared evolutionary history.

Biology and ecology: Bees feed on nectar as adults and collect pollen to provision brood cells. Nesting sites vary and can include soil, hollow stems, wood cavities, or pre-existing tunnels. Larvae develop inside sealed brood cells and later emerge as adults. Bees are among the most important pollinators for many flowering plants, with some species highly specialized to particular flowers while others are generalists. Predatory wasps within the broader Apoidea play roles in insect population regulation, depending on the lineage.

Evolution and conservation: The origin and diversification of Apoidea are linked to the rise of flowering plants in the Cretaceous. Many Apoidea taxa face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and disease, leading to declines in several bee groups. Conservation efforts emphasize preserving floral resources, nesting habitats, and genetic diversity, along with reducing pesticide exposure.