Bees are fascinating insects closely related to wasps and ants. The European honeybee, Apis Mellifera, is the most common of the honeybees worldwide. Bees undergo holometabolous development, which means they transform through metamorphosis during their life cycle. The life stages of bees include: the initial stage when a bee is laid as an egg; the larval stage, during which bees look very different from adults; and pupa, a transformative stage inside a cocoon or cell. The fully developed bee or adult emerges from the pupa. Anatomically, bees have three main body parts, the head contains sensory organs, mouthparts, and antennae. The thorax houses the wings and legs. The abdomen contains vital organs. They also have a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton. Antennae attached to their head. Three pairs of legs for walking and two pairs of wings for flight.
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There are three main types of bees, each with distinct roles: The queen bee is the only female capable of reproduction, recognizable by her elongated abdomen extending beyond her folded wings. Her primary role is egg-laying, with peak productivity of up to 2,000 eggs per day. Queen bees can live up to five years, but their usefulness usually lasts two to three years. Beekeepers often re-queen colonies to maintain productivity. Workers are all female and perform essential tasks within the colony. They secrete wax, build honeycombs, forage for nectar and pollen, and transform nectar into honey. Incapable of mating, they maintain the hive’s functions. In queen-less colonies, some workers may lay unfertilized eggs, which develop into drones. Drones are male bees. Larger compound eyes distinguish them. They do not have stingers. Their primary purpose is mating with virgin queens. Drones are essential for genetic diversity but are expelled from the hive during winter.
