The Bees Knees: Identifying Different Types of Honey Bees
Bees are with us the world over. Well, almost. There are more than 20,000 known kinds of bees, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. You’re probably most familiar with the Western honey bee, but that’s just one among many of the species that buzz about the Earth. While all honey bees fall within the genus Apis classification—many exhibit unique traits and behaviors that help differentiate them. Here are a few to note, whether you’re an avid beekeeper or up-and-coming bee enthusiast!
European or Western Honey Bee
The European or Western honey bee holds the distinction as the most domesticated and widespread bee species. It has undergone intensive domestication for its honey-producing and pollination properties and is commonly recognized for its live-in hive behavior, impressive colonies, and striped body. The Western honey bee has been relocated to numerous non-native destinations, including Australia, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.
Italian Honey Bee
A subclass of the Western honey bee, Italian honey bees are the most popular domesticated honey bee on Earth. This is because of their agreeable disposition and ample honey-making ability. Interestingly enough, the Italian honey bee isn’t loyal to one tribe or hive. It will jump to another colony, steal honey, and eat its own honey supply if there are not enough other pollinating plants around.
Gray Honey Bee
Native to Eastern Europe, gray honey bees get their name from their gray hue; their color actually comes from all the hairs that cover their body, making them look “gray.” Characteristically, gray honey bees are known for their non-aggressive behavior and easy-to-handle manner. Their population goes dormant during the winter months but typically comes alive in the spring.
Gibraltar Honey Bee
The Gibraltar honey bee is a tiny, black bee that resides primarily in Spain and Portugal. Due to their highly selective mating process, these bees are genetically pure—but still diverse within their own species.
These honey bees display aggressive defense mechanisms when disturbed, which has given them a bad rap locally. For example, if encroached on, the bees will set up a defensive perimeter of sentry bees that attack anything they come across for up to one full day afterward.
Caucasian Honey Bee
The Caucasian honey bee owes its namesake to the Caucasus region that bisects Southeastern Europe and Asia. These bees are highly diverse, feature hairs that can present gray, and are calm in temperament. Typically, they are slow-going in colony building and aren’t acclimated to cooler temperatures.
Africanised Honey Bee
Also known as “African killer bees,” these bees came about by unfortunate breeding by South American scientists. Researchers crossbred South African bees with European species, producing a highly aggressive, dominant blend that ultimately escaped into the wild.
Behaviorally, Africanised honey bees will overrun other colonies and even replace their queen. This species of honey bee is also known to take extra measures when defending, dispatching three to four times the number of bees as other species to swarm intruders.
“Bee” Proactive with Your Pest Control
These are but a sample of the world’s many honey bees, a classification of bees that offer a sweet source of nutrition for us and much-needed pollination for plants. Bees are good for our gardens and much, much more. But not all pests are blessings.
For help with particularly pesky uninvited guests, contact Vulcan Termite & Pest Control. Our pest control specialists can help you deal with existing pests and prevent new ones from invading your personal space. Plus, find out more about insects, pests, and all kinds of critters on our blog!