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African Honey Bee

Apis mellifera scutellata

About African Honey Bee

The African subspecies of the western honey bee, known for its defensive behavior and high productivity. It is slightly smaller than European honey bees.

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Did You Know?

When introduced to the Americas in 1957, they hybridized with European bees to produce the so-called 'Africanized' killer bees.

How to Identify African Honey Bee

African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure Workers 10-13 mm.

African Honey Bee Habitat

African Honey Bee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across East Africa, Southern Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

African Honey Bee Diet and Feeding

African Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is African Honey Bee Found?

African Honey Bee can be found in East Africa, Southern Africa, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where African Honey Bee can be found

Is African Honey Bee Dangerous?

African Honey Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

African Honey Bee Role in Nature

African Honey Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About African Honey Bee

What does African Honey Bee look like?

The African Honey Bee typically measures Workers 10-13 mm.

Where is African Honey Bee found?

The African Honey Bee is found in East Africa, Southern Africa and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does African Honey Bee eat?

The African Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is African Honey Bee dangerous to humans?

The African Honey Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about African Honey Bee?

When introduced to the Americas in 1957, they hybridized with European bees to produce the so-called 'Africanized' killer bees.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-honey-bee

MLA:
"African Honey Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-honey-bee.