Bees are widespread, varied, and, most importantly, critical to our ecosystem. These buzzing insects, among the most crucial pollinators, play a vital role in our environment. However, there’s always more to learn about them. Here are six fun facts you may not know about bees!
There are Over 25,000 Different Bee Species
An impressive 25,000 or so species of bees have evolved to pollinate flowering plants. To put that in perspective, there are around 10,000 species of birds and about 5,400 different mammals! The most commonly seen bee species in North America are honeybees and bumblebees. Bumblebees only account for 1% of all bee species, and only a few bee species make honey and live with a queen, worker bees, and male drones.
Honeybees are a Domesticated Species
Originally imported from Europe, domesticated North American honeybees are not considered wildlife. North American honeybees primarily exist in managed hives and provide essential agricultural pollination. However, there are over 4,000 wild native bee species in North America that give equally important pollination services in natural ecosystems as well as agriculture. Like honeybees, many native bee species also face deep population declines.
Not All Bees are Black and Yellow
Many native bees sport shiny, metallic exoskeletons and don’t mirror the traditional image of a bee that we were taught as children. They come in various colors, from green to blue, black to red, or a combination of colors. Many sweat bee species are metallic green, some with stripes and others solid green. Sweat bees are ground-nesting bees named for their exact purpose: to drink our sweat, which contains salt and other minerals.
Honeybees Air Condition Their Hives
In addition to drinking flower nectar, honeybees drink water when the temperatures rise. They transport the water back to their hive and slowly release it while buzzing their wings. The water evaporates, creating a natural air conditioning that keeps the hive from overheating.
Not All Bees Sting
There are over 500 species whose stings are so ineffective that they have developed powerful mandibles (the moving parts of their mouths) to give a nasty bite. Firebees can excrete formic acid to irritate their attackers and attack in large numbers by finding their way into sensitive parts such as the ear, nose, eyes, and mouth. Most stingless bee species live in the tropics of Central and South America, with a few in Asia, Africa, and Australia. The stingless South American Melipona, or Abeja Criolla (Creole Bee), is well documented because the ancient Mayans began harvesting honey thousands of years ago.
Bees Evolved From Wasps!
Bees and wasps are closely related and share similarities, but bees actually evolved from wasps! Wasps are carnivorous hunters that feed insects and spiders to their young. Bees emerged through co-evolution with flowering plants, offering a new food source in the form of nectar and pollen.
No Matter What Species it is, Bee Master Can Help!
Bee Master of Las Vegas provides humane bee and wasp removal services within the Las Vegas Valley! Our team of experts is fully qualified to help you eliminate various common bees and wasps in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Ridding your house or place of business of unwanted bees and wasps is to relieve the inconvenience and avoid potential damage to your home, property, or office. While bees are our friends, they can be a nuisance when they nest in inconvenient places. Give us a call today!