Tanssimehiläisen

Tanssimehiläisen, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, is the common European honey bee. It is one of the most widespread and economically important insect species globally. Originating from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, notably North America, South America, and Australia. These bees are social insects, living in large colonies typically housed in hives. A single colony can contain tens of thousands of individuals, consisting of a queen, female worker bees, and male drones.

The primary role of worker bees is to forage for nectar and pollen, which they use to produce honey and feed the colony. Nectar is a sugary liquid produced by flowers, and pollen provides essential proteins and nutrients. Honey bees are crucial pollinators for a vast array of flowering plants, including many agricultural crops. Their pollination services are vital for food production and the maintenance of biodiversity.

Communication within a honey bee colony is sophisticated. The most famous form is the "waggle dance," a complex series of movements performed by a returning forager bee to indicate the direction and distance of a food source to other bees in the hive. This dance is a remarkable example of symbolic communication in the animal kingdom. Tanssimehiläisen face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases like Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which have led to significant population declines in some regions. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these essential pollinators.