Glossary
The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), also called the European honey bee, is the most widely managed bee species in the world. Native to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it has been introduced to every inhabited continent for honey production and crop pollination. The species includes over 28 recognized subspecies.
Apis mellifera pollinates approximately one-third of the food crops consumed globally, making it arguably the most economically important insect species on Earth. In the United States alone, honey bees contribute an estimated $15 to $20 billion in crop pollination value annually, far exceeding the value of honey and beeswax production.
The species' adaptability is remarkable. Through both natural adaptation and selective breeding, Apis mellifera subspecies have colonized habitats ranging from tropical forests to subarctic regions. This adaptability made it an ideal candidate for global introduction by humans beginning in the 17th century.
The most common subspecies in American beekeeping are the Italian bee (A. m. ligustica), known for its gentle temperament and prolific brood production; the Carniolan bee (A. m. carnica), valued for its winter hardiness and rapid spring buildup; and the Buckfast bee, a hybrid developed by Brother Adam at Buckfast Abbey in England for disease resistance and productivity.
In Florida, beekeepers commonly work with Italian bees and their hybrids. The warm climate presents unique challenges, including year-round varroa mite pressure and exposure to Africanized genetics in feral populations. Understanding bee genetics helps beekeepers select stock appropriate for their local conditions.
There are approximately 8 to 12 recognized species in the genus Apis, depending on the taxonomic classification used. Apis mellifera (Western honey bee) and Apis cerana (Eastern honey bee) are the two most widely managed species. The giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) and dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) are also well known but are not managed in hives.
No. While Apis mellifera is the most common managed honey bee, there are multiple species and over 28 subspecies with significant differences in behavior, temperament, climate adaptation, and disease resistance.
Apis mellifera can be managed in movable-frame hives and transported to crops as needed. A single colony can visit millions of flowers per day. This combination of manageability and pollination efficiency makes it irreplaceable in modern agriculture.
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