Bee
Bees are winged insects in the clade Anthophila within the superfamily Apoidea and order Hymenoptera.
Bees are winged insects in the clade Anthophila within the superfamily Apoidea and order Hymenoptera. More than 20,000 species are known, and most are solitary, though some species such as honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees live socially in colonies.
Classification and diversity
Bees are a monophyletic group within Apoidea and Hymenoptera. The group contains over 20,000 described species and is divided into seven recognized families.
Biology and anatomy
Bees typically have branched hairs, chewing mouthparts with a long proboscis for nectar feeding, transparent wings with few veins, and hind legs often adapted for pollen collection.
Behaviour and life cycle
Most bee species are solitary, but some are eusocial and live in colonies. Bees undergo complete metamorphosis through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Ecology and distribution
Bees are closely associated with flowering plants and are important pollinators. They are found worldwide except in Antarctica.
Key facts
- Bees are winged insects in the clade Anthophila.
- The group includes more than 20,000 known species in seven recognized families.
- Most bee species are solitary, while honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees form colonies.
- Bees are adapted for gathering nectar and pollen from flowers.
- Bees occur on all continents except Antarctica.
Bees are important in Canadian ecosystems and agriculture because many species pollinate wild plants and crops, and the Canadian Encyclopedia notes their distinctive anatomy and pollen-collecting adaptations.[4]
Frequently asked questions
What is a bee?
How many bee species are there?
Are most bees social?
Do bees live on every continent?
How do bees develop?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeeSupports: Taxonomy, species count, social vs solitary behaviour
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/beeSupports: Definition, classification, species diversity
- Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeeSupports: Distribution and general description
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/beeSupports: Anatomy and pollen-collecting adaptations
- Museum of the Earth — https://www.museumoftheearth.org/bees/biologySupports: Complete metamorphosis and life cycle stages
- University of Georgia — https://bees.caes.uga.edu/beekeeping-resources/getting-started-topics/getting-started-honey-bee-biology.htmlSupports: Bee diet and biological overview