Honey Bees
What are they?
Hairy, slender-bodied bees that are highly social, forming large colonies of up to many thousands of individuals. Most of the colony consists of sterile females, known as workers. These individuals are seen visiting flowers throughout the summer and will sting, especially if they feel that the home colony is being threatened. Males (drones) appear late in the season and have no sting. Queens and at least some workers survive the winter and queens may live for several years.
Identification
Medium-sized, hairy bees with a brown and orange color scheme.
Western Honey Bee Apis mellifera
Length: 12-16mm (workers). Originally from Europe, this species has been introduced throughout the world and is the species that is used to produce honey commercially in hives. This species is also now established in the wild and small colonies can often be found in holes in trees.
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