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Western honey bee

Western honey bee

Apis mellifera

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

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Western honey bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Western honey bee
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Attributes of Western honey bee
Biting/stinging
The Western honey bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Western honey bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Western 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
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Western honey bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Western honey bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Western honey bee
It can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The species is believed to have originated in Africa or Asia, and it spread naturally through Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
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Distribution Area of Western honey bee
Europe, western Asia, Africa, east Asia, Australia, North and South America
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Appearance of Western honey bee
The queen bee is a fertile female, who, unlike workers (which are genetically also female), has a fully developed reproductive tract. She is larger than her workers, and has a characteristic rounder, longer abdomen.
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How to Identify Western honey bee?

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Life Cycle of Western honey bee
Egg The tiny, oval-shaped eggs of western honey bee are laid singularly in distinct cells of the hive. Incubation is brief, and the future larvae remain within until they hatch.
Larva Upon hatching, the legless and blind larvae feed voraciously on substances provided by adult western honey bee, growing rapidly and molting several times.
Pupal After achieving sufficient size, larvae spin cocoons to pupate. During this dormant phase, they undergo major transformation, developing legs, eyes, and wings internally.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult western honey bee’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Western honey bee
1.5 - 1.7 cm
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Predators of Western honey bee Larvae
Birds, wasps, beetles, arachnids
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Scientific Classification of Western honey bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Western honey bee
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Adult Habitat of Western honey bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Marine Environments (coastal areas), Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Western honey bee Through Different Life Stages
The larvae western honey bee are generally located in honeycomb cells within beehives, meticulously tended by worker bees in environments rich in pollen and honey. Searching for these larvae requires an examination of frames within beehives, ideally during hive inspections in spring or summer. The pupae western honey bee, enclosed in capped cells, are typically next to larvae; careful hive management practices are necessary to locate them without causing harm. Adult western honey bee are found around flowers and water sources in various ecosystems, ranging from wildlands to urban gardens. Finding them involves visiting blooming plants on warm, sunny days when they are most active in foraging for nectar and pollen.
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The western 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 Western 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 Western honey bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

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.

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Toxic to Animals

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.

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Does the Western honey bee sting humans?

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.

More Effects of Western honey bee

Beneficial Effects of Western 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
Western honey bee is a vital pollinator, attracted by the vivid colors and sweet scents of flowers. It collects pollen to feed its offspring and also consumes some in the process. This species shows a preference for Asteraceae and fruit trees, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem and agriculture.
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