Large Bee with Black and White Stripes: A Unique Species of Honey Bee

Among the many species of honey bees, one stands out for its striking appearance - the large bee with black and white stripes. This unique species is known as the European dark bee, also referred to as the German Black Bee or Apis mellifera mellifera.

One of the most distinctive features of this bee is its coloration. The body is a straw yellow hue, covered in thick black bands that give it a striking appearance. Additionally, these bees have unusually short tongues, which set them apart from other honey bees.

The European dark bee is larger than most other honey bees, and its range once stretched across Western Russia to Northern Europe. Today, they can be found throughout Germany, the UK, and other parts of Europe.

Like all honey bees, this species collects pollen and nectar to produce honey, which it stores in a honeycomb within its nest. The honey is used as a food source during the winter months when flowers are scarce. In addition to producing honey, these bees also pollinate plants, playing a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Unfortunately, this species has suffered from large-scale die-offs in recent years, highlighting the need for non-fatal removal methods. Professional bee removers can safely remove these bees from properties, or individuals can follow guidelines on how to do it themselves. It's essential to exercise caution when dealing with honey bee nests, as they can be extremely large and messy to remove.

Trees are a common location for honey bee nests, but they can also be found in chimneys or attics. These bees are incredibly resourceful and can build hives just about anywhere, with nest sizes varying greatly.

In the winter, honey bee families huddle together and eat honey to survive, a remarkable feat considering their small size. Honey bee colonies can thrive for many years, making them an integral part of our ecosystem.

If you're performing bee identification in the US or elsewhere, chances are high that you'll be dealing with a species of honey bee. With over 100 crops in the US relying on honey bees for pollination, it's essential to understand and appreciate these incredible insects.

By recognizing the unique characteristics of the large bee with black and white stripes, we can better appreciate its importance in our ecosystem and work to protect this remarkable species.

Large bee with black and white stripes