Bees (a lineage within the superfamily Apoidea) are flying insects, closely related to wasps and ants. There are approximately 20,000 species of bees, and they may be found on every continent except Antarctica. Bees are adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen, the former primarily as an energy source, and the latter primarily for protein and other nutrients. Most pollen is used for food for the brood.
Bees have a long proboscis that enables them to obtain the nectar from flowers. Bees have antennae almost universally made up of thirteen segments in males and twelve in females. They all have two pairs of wings, the back pair being the smaller of the two; in a very few species, one sex or caste has relatively short wings that make it difficult or impossible to fly.
Many species of bees are poorly known. The smallest bee is a dwarf bee (Trigona minima) and it is about 2.1 mm (5/64") long. The largest bee in the world is Megachile pluto, which can be as large as 39 mm (1.5"). The most common type of bee in North America is the Halictidae, or sweat bee, though this may come as a surprise to natives, as they are so small, and often mistaken for wasps.
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Bees :: Insects
Beekeeping :: Insects

Nature: Alien Empire - Enter the Hive - An interactive Flash site with a virtual tour through a beehive with distinct sections about pollination, developing larvae, storing honey, and the hive.
Alternative Pollinators - Information on solitary bees and bumblebees.
Meta Description: [ This publication discusses using solitary or native bees as pollinators. Some of the larger groups of bees are discussed, including alkali bees, leafcutter bees, alfalfa leafcutter bees, bumblebees, sweat bees, squash bees, digger bees, orchard mason bees, shaggy fuzzyfoot bees, and hornfaced bees. ]
Apidologie - Research journal on the biology of insects belonging to the superfamily Apoidea.
Meta Description: [ Apidologie, A Quality Journal in Bee Science ]
Australian Native Bee Research Centre - Guide to bees native to Australia.
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Honey Bee Swarms - Discussion of swarming activity from the University of Nebraska.
Honey Bee Swarms and Bees in Walls - Includes information on the value of bees, dealing with swarming activity, and options for dealing with colonies in walls.
Hymenoptera.de - Detailed information about European bumblebees and their biology, how to build nesting aids and boxes, and where to place them. In German and English.
Meta Description: [ Informationen und Hilfe in Sachen Hummeln, Wespen, Hornissen und anderen Hymenopteren. Beratung und Nestumsetzungen im ganzen Bundesgebiet, Biologie, Bilder, Links, Literatur und Foren für Fach- und andere Leute ]
Life Cycle and Variations of Bees - Follows solitary bee development and provides extensive list of variations of bees.
Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Program - Information on the biology and conservation of native bees, including how to make bumble bees nesting boxes and provide the best foraging flowers.
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