Honeybee
Honeybee
Honeybee (pronunciation: /ˈhʌnɪbiː/) is a flying insect within the genus Apis of the bee clade, known for their production of honey and beeswax, and for their role in pollination.
Etymology
The term "honeybee" is derived from the English words "honey" and "bee". "Honey" comes from the Old English hunig, and "bee" from the Old English beo.
Description
Honeybees are social insects that live in large colonies with one queen, many sterile females or workers, and some fertile males or drones. They are known for their distinctive striped appearance, and their ability to produce honey and beeswax.
Behavior
Honeybees exhibit a range of behaviors such as swarming, foraging, and defensive behavior. They communicate with each other using a variety of signals, including the famous "waggle dance".
Role in Pollination
Honeybees play a crucial role in pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many plants. They collect nectar and pollen from flowers, and in the process, transfer pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts, facilitating fertilization.
Health Impact
Honeybees are generally harmless unless provoked. However, some people may be allergic to their stings, which can cause serious health problems. On the other hand, honeybee products like honey and propolis have various health benefits.
Related Terms
- Beekeeping: The maintenance of bee colonies, usually in hives, by humans.
- Beehive: An enclosed structure in which some honey bee species live and raise their young.
- Bee sting: A sting from a bee that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Bee pollen: A ball of pollen made by young bees, which is fed to other bees.
- Bee bread: A fermented mixture of pollen and nectar, used as food by bees.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Honeybee
- Wikipedia's article - Honeybee
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