For many of us, our first instinct when we see a bee is to run away in terror, hoping not to get stung. I have personally done this several times, but now understand the importance of bees and how to distinguish between them.
Bees are one of the most important creatures on Earth, therefore it is vital to know the different types.
The common type of bees that live in North America include honey bees, bumble bees, solitary bees, and carder bees.
Honey bees are the most common type on our continent. They are known for their honeycomb-like structure and are important pollinators for fruits and vegetables. Honey bees (female ones) can sting but they mainly do so when they feel threatened.
Bumblebees are known for their black and yellow furry bodies and large heads. They are amazing pollinators too, helping to keep our ecosystem balanced by pollinating plants in nature and commercial crops.
The differing types of bees are conducive to our ecosystem. Populations of bees are declining due to various factors like exposure to pesticides and habitat loss.
Bees are vital to us because they provide ⅓ of the food supply here on Earth (due to pollination) and are the sole producers of honey.
So next time you see a bee, remember to “bee” kind!