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Beta
Bees
(Apoidea)
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Overview
Biology
Social Structure: While some bee species are solitary, others are social and live in colonies. Social bees are typically organized into a caste system, including a queen, workers, and sometimes drones (males).
Life Cycle: Solitary bees lay their eggs in individual nests, while social bees live in colonies with complex social structures. The queen lays eggs, worker bees perform various tasks within the colony, and drones are responsible for mating with the queen.
Pollination: Bees are important pollinators for many flowering plants. As they collect nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating fertilization and seed production.
Food
Nectar: Bees feed on nectar, a sugary liquid produced by flowers. They use a proboscis (a long, tube-like tongue) to suck up nectar from flowers.
Pollen: Pollen is a source of protein for bees. They collect pollen on specialized structures, such as their hind legs or bodies, and transport it back to their nests.
Honey: Some bee species, particularly honey bees, are known for their ability to transform nectar into honey. Honey serves as a long-term food source for the colony, stored in wax comb cells within the hive.
Bees are flying insects known for their crucial role in pollination and the production of honey. They are widespread and diverse, with various species adapted to different ecological niches.
Description
Size: Bees come in a range of sizes, with the smallest species being just a few millimeters long and the largest reaching up to a few centimeters in length.
Coloration: Bee coloration varies greatly among species. They can be black, brown, yellow, or a combination of these colors. Many bees have distinctive patterns, such as stripes or spots.
Habitat
Bees can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, gardens, forests, and urban areas. Different species have adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Nests: Bee nests vary based on the species. Solitary bees may nest in the ground, wood, or plant stems. Social bees often build hives or nests in sheltered locations.
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