Bees

Bees are flying insects in the superfamily Apoidea within the order Hymenoptera. About 20,000 known species inhabit a wide range of environments on every continent except Antarctica. Bees feed primarily on nectar for energy and pollen for protein, and many species play a critical role as pollinators of flowering plants, crops and flora. The best known bees are the social honey bees and bumblebees, but many species are solitary.

Bees undergo complete metamorphosis, with life stages that include egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They often have hairy bodies and specialized mouthparts for collecting nectar and pollen. Reproduction varies by species: social species often have a single queen who lays eggs, while workers are sterile females and drones are males.

Nesting and foraging behaviors vary widely. Honey bees (Apis) form large colonies in wax combs and rely on complex social organization and communication, including foraging dances. Bumblebees commonly nest underground or in sheltered cavities. Many solitary bees nest in hollow stems, wood cavities, or in the soil, provisioning each brood cell with nectar and pollen. Bee pollination enhances fruit and seed set in numerous crops and wild plants.

Bees face multiple threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, pathogens, and parasites such as the Varroa mite. Climate change and intensive agricultural practices also affect populations. Conservation emphasizes preserving diverse floral resources, protecting nesting habitats, reducing pesticide exposure, and supporting responsible beekeeping and habitat restoration.

Taxonomically, bees include several major groups such as honey bees (Apis), bumblebees (Bombus), carpenter bees (Xylocopa), and many solitary genera (e.g., Osmia, Megachile). Management and study of bees often focus on honey bees due to their economic importance in apiculture, but wild bees are crucial for biodiversity and resilient ecosystems.