Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Western honey bee

Harmful Effects of Western honey bee

Apis mellifera

A species of Honey bees, Also known as Honey bee, White man's fly, Killer bee

Western honey bee can cause pain and swelling in humans through venomous stings, primarily when defending their hive. Multiple stings may lead to severe reactions, but generally, the health risks are minor and include the potential for localized infection. Transmission occurs via stings, which are self-sacrificial for the western honey bee.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Western honey bee sting humans?
Human Stinging

Is the Western honey bee poisonous?

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Humans
Toxic Stage
Adults
Poisoning Groups
Humans, Other Vertebrates
Toxin Function
Defense Mechanism
Methods of Secreting Venom
Sting
Ways of Poisoning
Sting
Toxicity Intensity
Mild
Western honey bee poses a minimal toxic threat to humans primarily through its venomous sting. The sting delivers melittin, a neurotoxin causing pain and localized swelling. On rare occasions, it can result in more severe neurotoxic effects with multiple stings. However, beyond the pain and potential infection at the sting site, long-term or significant toxins' impact on humans is limited.
Toxic to Animals
Toxic Group Type
Vertebrates, Invertebrates
Toxic Objects Examples
Dogs, cats, horses
Toxic Stage
Adults
Toxin Function
Defense Mechanism, Means of Prey
Toxic Types
Neurotoxins, Apitoxin
Toxic Secreting Methods
Sting
Toxic Ways
Sting
Risk Level
Mild to Severe
Western honey bee's larvae and adults have a defense mechanism that can cause mild to severe reactions to creatures they come in contact with. The toxin is delivered through tiny hairs that penetrate the skin upon touch. Humans often experience pain, swelling, and rash upon exposure. Household pets and certain small mammals may also suffer discomfort and adverse reactions. Even some insects may be affected by the poisonous hairs of western honey bee.

Does the Western honey bee sting humans?

Stinging Stage
Adult
Sting Method
Venomous Sting
Sting Severity
Mild
Worker western honey bee, which are female, sting humans primarily in defense of their hive. Stinging occurs when they feel threatened, often due to close human proximity or disturbance. Upon stinging, their barbed stingers latch into the skin, releasing venom but ultimately causing the bee to die after this self-sacrificial act.
union

More about insect bites and stings (Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, etc)

Harmful Facts About Western honey bee

Why are Western honey bee harmful to humans?
Worker western honey bee sting humans in defense, a reaction to perceived threats to their hive, particularly during close proximity or disturbance by humans. The venomous sting detaches, causing the western honey bee to die, but it can lead to pain, localized swelling, and, rarely, severe neurotoxic effects if multiple stings are delivered.
What is the best prevention for Western honey bee?
To prevent stings from western honey bee, avoid disturbing their hives and maintain a respectful distance while observing them. Wearing protective clothing in areas where western honey bee are known to be active can also help. Additionally, using non-aggressive beekeeping methods for hive inspection can reduce the risk of provoking western honey bee.
What are the solutions for injuries caused by Western honey bee?
After being stung by western honey bee, it is crucial to remove the stinger promptly to limit venom spread. Scrape the site gently to avoid squeezing the venom sac. Wash the area with soap and water to minimize infection risks. Using a cold pack can help reduce swelling, and one should seek fresh air and rest to aid recovery. Avoid scratching to prevent further irritation and remember to stay calm, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.
More Insects that are Similar to Western honey bee
Tooth-bellied long-horned bee
Tooth-bellied long-horned bee
Melissodes dentiventris is a non-woven insect from the family of bees and bumblebees (Apidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1854 by Smith.
Melissodes desponsa
Melissodes desponsa
Eastern cucurbit bee
Eastern cucurbit bee
The eastern cucurbit bee (Peponapis pruinosa) is a picky eater who sticks with their preferred host plants, which include squash. Males are known to spend most of their time around flowers, even sleeping in them during the night. While it isn't known to be harmful, it still ends up being caught in pesticides intended for other insects.
California cuckoo bee
California cuckoo bee
Xeromelecta californica is a non-woven insect from the family of bees and bumblebees (Apidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1878 by Cresson.
Dilemma Orchid Bee
Dilemma Orchid Bee
The vibrant, metallic sheen of dilemma Orchid Bee glistens in hues of green, and blue as it diligently pollinates a variety of tropical flowers. Known for the males' remarkable ability to collect and store flower scents in specialized hind-leg pouches, these creatures play a crucial role in the ecosystems they frequent, aiding in the successful reproduction of numerous plant species. With their impressive fragrance collection, males create complex olfactory signals to attract mates, demonstrating a sophisticated interplay between flora and fauna.
Eulaema cingulata
Eulaema cingulata
Eulaema cingulata is a fleece-winged insect from the family of bees and bumblebees (Apidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1804 by Fabricius.
Eulaema mocsaryi
Eulaema mocsaryi
The head of Eulaema mocsaryi has a central raised ridge and both head and thorax are clad in short velvety black hairs. The colour of head and thorax is mainly black. The legs are black and hairy and the tibial joints of the hind legs are wide and compressed. The dark-coloured abdomen is densely covered with short tawny-yellowish hairs, becoming paler towards the tip of the abdomen.
Eulaema meriana
Eulaema meriana
Eulaema meriana resembles a bumblebee in appearance and is covered in short dense hairs. At first glance Eulaema bees look like large bumblebee queens. They are relatively large bees with faint metallic colorations. The head of the bee is black, and the thorax brownish black with a large, glossy black scutellum. Their abdomen is black with three transverse pale yellowish bands on the anterior half, and the posterior third is reddish brown. E. meriana also possess membranous wings that are dark at the base and paler at the tips. The legs are black and the tibia of the hind legs are much thicker. Males possess hollows on their hind legs, while females have pollen baskets. In general, the species have long tongues that are thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that favors nectar collection. The large body size is thought to allow the bees to fly in cooler, rainy conditions and continue foraging. It has also been suggested that the larger body size can help them forage for longer distances.
Icon code spieces

Scan QR code to download

Img download isoImg download android