About Cape Honey Bee
A unique honey bee subspecies where workers can lay diploid female eggs without mating. It is restricted to the winter rainfall region of South Africa.
Did You Know?
Worker bees of this subspecies can clone themselves through a rare reproductive process called thelytokous parthenogenesis.
How to Identify Cape Honey Bee
Cape Honey Bee (Apis mellifera capensis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure Workers 11-13 mm.
Cape Honey Bee Habitat
Cape Honey Bee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cape Honey Bee Diet and Feeding
Cape 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 Cape Honey Bee Found?
Cape Honey Bee can be found in South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape), where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cape Honey Bee can be found
Is Cape Honey Bee Dangerous?
Cape 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.
Cape Honey Bee Role in Nature
Cape 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Honey Bee
What does Cape Honey Bee look like?
The Cape Honey Bee typically measures Workers 11-13 mm.
Where is Cape Honey Bee found?
The Cape Honey Bee is found in South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape) and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Cape Honey Bee eat?
The Cape Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Cape Honey Bee dangerous to humans?
The Cape 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 Cape Honey Bee?
Worker bees of this subspecies can clone themselves through a rare reproductive process called thelytokous parthenogenesis.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cape Honey Bee (Apis mellifera capensis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cape-honey-bee
MLA:
"Cape Honey Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cape-honey-bee.