Honeybee

Honeybees live in large "families" and are found all over the world. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years. That is because they huddle together and eat honey to keep themselves alive during the winter months.

Honeybees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.

Their wings flap 11,000 times per minute, which is why it sounds like they are "buzzing". Honeybees can only sting once, because their stingers are barbed and tear off when they try to get away.


Size: 1/2"
Shape: Oval, bee shaped
Color: Golden yellow with brown bands

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes

Antenna: Yes

Common Name: Honeybee
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Apidae

Species: Apis

DIET
Honeybees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests, which they use to feed their young in colder months.

HABITAT
Honeybee nests vary in size. They typically build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys.

IMPACT
Honeybees do sting, but they only sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the skin. Persons allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.

PREVENTION

• Because honeybee colonies can be extremely large and removal can be very messy, only a pest management professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.