Flying insects that collect nectar and pollen and generally have a stinger. Solitary bee species fend for themselves, but social bees live in hives of 20,000 to 50,000 or more and produce honey. About 30,000 species of bee live worldwide with the exception of the polar regions, but only 8 to 10 species are honey bees.
Bumblebees from New Zealand are now imported to the UK to replace disappearing bees. A September 10, 2009 radio report of ABC News Radio in Australia said it's a turnabout as New Zealand's first bee colonies came from England 120 years ago.http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2009/2690422.htm
Pollination
Bees pollinate not only ornamental flowers but vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. They passively pick up pollen on their legs and abdomens as they drink up nectar from a plant. During subsequent drinks, the pollen drops onto the reproductive organs of another plant. Commercial beekeeping outfits transport hives of bees to commercial and small farmers for crop pollination purposes.
Complex social system
Within a hive is a complex bee society with division of labor. There is one Queen whose only function is to lay eggs. There are about 200 male drones, all capable of mating with the Queen. The remaining bees are workers, sterile females that maintain the hive, feed the queen royal jelly, and collect and regurgitate nectar for honey. When workers leave the hive they communicate over many miles using pheromones. They also use intricate dances to convey messages.
Stingers
Bees may sting in self defense or to protect the hive. The stinger secretes a small amount of venom which is mildly painful to humans, but is generally harmless unless one is stung many times. People who are allergic to the venom may have a severe reaction called anaphylactic shock.
Sometimes the stinger detaches from the bee's abdomen after a sting, and the bee dies.
Featured Video
Shows how bees do a dance to tell their hive-mates where the good nectar is.
Bees in Popular Culture
- Sci-Fi Action Movie: The Swarm (1978)
- Comedy Drama: Beeswax (2009)
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Bees drink nectar and pollinate plants, like flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
-
Fact:
They are a vital part of the agricultural economy as they pollinate a host of food crops.
-
Fact:
Most bees are solitary, but honey bees and bumble bees live in a complex society within hives.
-
Fact:
A hive has one queen, a couple of hundred drones, and thousands of workers.
-
Fact:
If a big stings, it's usually not dangerous unless someone is highly allergic.
