Honey bee

The honey bee (or honeybee) is any member of the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by their production and storage of honey, and the construction of perennial, colonial nests from wax. Only eight species of Apis are currently recognized, with a total of 44 subspecies, though historically, more species were acknowledged.

Honey bees are eusocial insects, meaning they live in cooperative groups with division of labor. A honey bee colony typically consists of a single queen bee, numerous worker bees (sterile females), and, seasonally, a few drone bees (males). The queen's primary role is reproduction, while worker bees perform tasks such as foraging for nectar and pollen, building and maintaining the hive, and caring for the brood. Drones exist primarily to mate with the queen.

Honey bees play a vital role in pollination, contributing significantly to both agricultural and wild plant reproduction. Their industrious foraging habits make them highly effective pollinators for a wide variety of flowering plants.

The honey produced by honey bees is a valuable food source for humans and has been harvested for millennia. Beeswax, another product of honey bee colonies, is used in a variety of applications, including candle making, cosmetics, and as a sealant.

Honey bee populations face various threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, diseases, and parasites such as the Varroa mite. These threats have led to concerns about the long-term health and stability of honey bee populations worldwide and their potential impact on pollination services.

Beekeeping, the practice of maintaining honey bee colonies by humans, has a long and rich history. Modern beekeeping practices focus on providing managed environments for honey bees to thrive, while also harvesting honey and other bee products.