Mehiläisten

Mehiläisten (the bees) are flying insects in the superfamily Apoidea within the order Hymenoptera. They are found worldwide and are especially important as pollinators of flowering plants. Some species, notably the honey bee, Apis mellifera, produce honey.

Bees comprise several families, including Apidae (honey bees, bumblebees), Andrenidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, and smaller groups. They range from highly social to solitary species. The honey bee is eusocial with a caste system.

In many species, colonies have queens and workers; drones are male. Development is holometabolous: egg, larva, pupa, adult. In eusocial species, workers perform tasks; drones mate with queens from other colonies; reproduction is via swarming. Feeding on nectar for energy and pollen as protein.

Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers; pollination occurs as they move between flowers; many plants rely on bees for reproduction. Nesting sites vary: underground in tunnels, in hollow stems, in cavities, or in constructed wax combs; bees produce wax to build cells.

Bees provide essential pollination for crops and wild plants; honey production and beeswax have economic importance. Populations face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, parasites like Varroa destructor, pathogens, and competition from non-native species. Conservation includes habitat creation, reduced pesticide use, and supporting beekeeping.