Scientists have identified at least 20,000 different bee
species in the world, all with their own unique qualities and characteristics.
Living in colonies with strict hierarchies, bees fit into these categories:
queen bee, drone, and worker bee. Here are three different types of commonly
found bees, and some fun facts about each.
Honeybees
Also called social bees, honeybees live in colonies around
the world consisting of up to 50,000-60,000 workers. They are unique in part
because they can stay alive for many years, keeping close contact for warmth and
eating honey during the winter months. Their barbed stingers tear off
post-stinging, so they can only sting once. They are used extensively for honey
production and crop pollination.
Bumblebee
Colonies of bumblebees are relatively small compared to
honeybees – generally around 120-200 workers. This bee type is also very
helpful in crop and plant pollination. Stingers are smooth and do not attach to
skin after stinging someone; therefore they can sting multiple times.
Bumblebees aggressively defend their nests and will chase dangerous invaders
over long distances.
Killer Bees
Similar in appearance to regular honeybees, Africanized
killer bees have differing wing measurements. Generally found in the Western
and Southern parts of the U.S., and South America, these bees usually attack in
larger numbers. Despite the name their venom is similar in potency to regular
honeybees. If you find yourself being pursued by these bees, it’s best to run
in a zigzag pattern and immediately find shelter. Killer bees can also only
sting once. To learn more about bee removal in El Cajon,
please visit this website.
No comments:
Post a Comment