What are Bees?
Bees are small flying insects known for their crucial role in pollination and honey production. They belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes ants and wasps. Bees are distinguished by their specialized body structure, including wings, six legs, and branched body hairs for collecting pollen. They live in colonies organized around a queen bee, who lays eggs, while worker bees gather nectar and pollen, and drones mate with the queen. Bees are vital to the ecosystem as they facilitate the reproduction of many flowering plants through pollination, which, in turn, supports the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other crops.
Most Common Bees in NorthEast Ohio?
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are a specific group of bees within the genus Bombus, characterized by their large, fuzzy bodies and distinctive black and yellow coloration. They are known for their unique buzzing sound as they fly from flower to flower. Bumblebees are important pollinators, like other bees, and play a significant role in the ecosystem by pollinating a wide variety of plants, including many crops.
European (Western) Honey Bees
European, or Western, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are perhaps the most well-known and widely managed species of honey bee. They are native to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East but have been introduced to various parts of the world due to their importance in agriculture for honey production and pollination. They build elaborate nests within hives, typically constructed from wax produced by the worker bees.
Large Carpenter Bees
Large carpenter bees are a group of bees belonging to the genus Xylocopa, known for their relatively large size compared to other bee species. They are widespread across various regions worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Large carpenter bees are solitary bees, meaning that each female builds and provisions her own nest, rather than living in colonies like honey bees or bumblebees.
Small Carpenter Bees
Small carpenter bees are also members of the genus Xylocopa, but they are distinguished by their smaller size compared to their larger relatives. Like their larger counterparts, small carpenter bees are solitary bees that excavate nesting galleries in wood. Small carpenter bees, like other solitary bee species, do not live in colonies or have a complex social structure. Each female is responsible for creating her own nest and providing food for her offspring.
Long-Horned Bees
Long-horned bees are a diverse group of bees belonging to the tribe Eucerini within the family Apidae. They are named for the elongated antennae present in males of many species, giving them a “long-horned” appearance. Long-horned bees are distributed worldwide and are especially diverse in the Americas. Long-horned bees, like many other native bee species, face threats such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and competition from non-native species.
Sweat Bees
Sweat bees are a large and diverse group of bees belonging to the family Halictidae. They are named for their attraction to human sweat, as they are often seen landing on people to collect moisture and salts. Sweat bees are found worldwide and are especially diverse in temperate and tropical regions. Sweat bees play a crucial role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity by pollinating a variety of plants.
Squash Bees
Squash bees are a specialized group of solitary bees belonging to the genus Peponapis and Xenoglossa, both within the family Apidae. As their name suggests, squash bees are particularly associated with plants in the genus Cucurbita, which includes squash, pumpkins, zucchini, and related crops. Squash bees are solitary, meaning that each female bee constructs her own nest, usually in the ground near the host plants.
Digger Bees
Digger bees, also known as ground-nesting bees or mining bees, are a diverse group of solitary bees belonging to various genera within the family Apidae. These bees are characterized by their habit of excavating nests in the ground, where they lay their eggs and provision them with pollen and nectar. Digger bees are important pollinators of a wide range of flowering plants and play a crucial role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.
Masked Bees
Masked bees, also known as masked or yellow-faced bees, are a diverse group of solitary bees belonging to the family Megachilidae. They are named for the distinctive yellow or white markings on their faces, which often resemble masks. These bees are found worldwide and are particularly diverse in temperate regions. Masked bees are important pollinators of a wide variety of flowering plants, including many wildflowers and crops.
Mason Bees
Mason bees, also known as mason wasps or mason bees, are solitary bees belonging to the genus Osmia, although other genera also exhibit similar behaviors. They are named for their habit of using mud or other materials to construct partitions within their nest cells. Mason bees are particularly valued by gardeners and orchardists for their efficiency as pollinators and their ease of management.
Leaf Cutter Bees
Leafcutter bees, belonging to the genus Megachile, are solitary bees known for their distinctive behavior of cutting circular pieces of leaves to construct their nests. These bees are important pollinators and play a significant role in ecosystems and agriculture. Leafcutter bees use their mandibles to cut circular sections of leaves, which they then carry back to their nests. Leafcutter bees are highly efficient pollinators and visit a wide variety of flowering plants to collect pollen and nectar.
How we can help with BEES?
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