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Eastern honey bee

Eastern honey bee

Apis cerana

A species of Honey bees, Also known as Asian honey bee

Eastern honey bees communicate to one another about good sources of nectar and pollen through the "waggle dance". A bee will perform this descriptive dance to other bees, after which they can interpret the dance and find their way to the food source. When they need to defend their nest from a wasp, they will surround the wasp and vibrate their muscles to generate heat, eventually killing the wasp via "heat balling".

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Eastern honey bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Eastern honey bee
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Attributes of Eastern honey bee
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
cavity
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honey, water, tree sap
Larva Food Source
Royal jelly, bee bread, worker jelly, pollen, honey
Biting/stinging
The Eastern honey bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Eastern honey bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Eastern honey bee can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Eastern honey bee
The natural range of this species extends from Primorsky Krai in Russia in the north, to eastern Indonesia in the south; and to Japan in the east, to as far as the highlands of Afghanistan in the west.
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Distribution Area of Eastern honey bee
Japan, Middle East
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Appearance of Eastern honey bee
The physical characteristics of Apis cerana individuals are very similar to those of other species in the genus Apis. The individuals in this genus are defined by long, erect hairs that cover the compound eyes and assist in pollen collection, strongly convex scutellum, and a jugal lobe in the hindwing. Adult Apis cerana are black in color, with four yellow abdominal stripes. There are also distinctions between worker bees, queens, and drones. Queens, which are the reproductive females, are typically larger than worker bees due to their enlarged reproductive organs. Drones, which are the males of the species, are defined by larger eyes, lack of a stinger, and a blunter abdominal shape.
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How to Identify Eastern honey bee?

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Predators of Eastern honey bee Larvae
Birds, wasps, mammals (such as bears and badgers), reptiles (lizards), arthropods (such as spiders and ants)
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Predators of Adult Eastern honey bee
Birds, wasps, dragonflies, praying mantises, spiders, mammals (such as bears)
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Interesting Facts About Eastern honey bee
Eastern honey bee can communicate with its hive-mates through a unique 'shimmering' behavior that repels hornet predators.
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Scientific Classification of Eastern honey bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Eastern honey bee
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Youth Habitat of Eastern honey bee
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Eastern honey bee
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Eastern honey bee
Sweet substances, such as sugar water or honey solution, can be used as lures to attract eastern honey bee due to their foraging behavior.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Eastern honey bee
Eastern honey bee are less active during cold, windy, or rainy weather. Calm, warm, and sunny conditions are best for finding eastern honey bee.
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How and Where Can You Find Eastern honey bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Eastern honey bee larvae are found inside the wax cells of their hives. To safely observe larval eastern honey bee, use protective clothing and gently pull out the hive frames during a hive inspection.
Pupal Eastern honey bee pupate within the cells of the hive, capped with wax. Similar to the larval stage, wear protective gear and carefully inspect the frames with capped cells to find pupal eastern honey bee.
Adult Adult eastern honey bee can be found outside their hive during foraging hours. Flower gardens, orchards, or places with abundant blooms are conducive to finding adult eastern honey bee. Wear light-colored clothing, move slowly, and avoid perfumes to safely observe or catch eastern honey bee.
Are Eastern honey bee harmful?
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The eastern honey bee can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Eastern honey bee harmful to humans?

Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Harmful Effects of Eastern honey bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Eastern honey bee possesses a defense mechanism involving a sting that can inject neurotoxins into humans. These toxins, while primarily causing local mild pain and swelling, can lead to more severe symptoms like headache, fever, or nausea in some cases. Unlike allergic reactions, the neurotoxic impact is usually short-term, though repeated stings can compound effects.

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Toxic to Animals

Eastern honey bee can inflict a range of reactions, from mild irritation to severe allergic responses, through its sting. Adult eastern honey bees defend themselves or their colony by injecting venom into perceived threats. Humans stung by eastern honey bee might experience pain, swelling, and in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Domestic pets like dogs and cats are also susceptible to these stings, reacting similarly to humans. Larger animals such as horses can suffer from multiple stings which may lead to more serious conditions, while smaller mammals could be particularly vulnerable due to their size.

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Does the Eastern honey bee sting humans?

Eastern honey bee defend their hive aggressively and may sting humans if provoked. Typically, females are the ones with a sting capable of delivering venom. Stinging is a defensive behavior, protecting their nest from predators. However, stinging is fatal for eastern honey bee, as they die shortly after due to abdominal rupture.

More Effects of Eastern honey bee

Beneficial Effects of Eastern honey bee
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring, Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Eastern honey bee is a diligent pollinator, attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and sweet scents. It collects pollen to feed its offspring and also consumes some in the process. This bee has a preference for Asteraceae and fruit tree blossoms, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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