The differences between bumble bees (the pollinator in this image) and honey bees.

Bumblebees:

- Thick and furry body, fat all around with yellow, orange, and or black colouring
- Thick wings visible when landed
- Various sizes from 2-5cm
- Live in poorly drained soils - Small nests of 5-50 members
- Queens are the only bee to overwinter, they hibernate at the nesting site
- Bumblebees can sting multiple times, but only the females can sting
- Bumblebees do not produce a honey surplus like honeybees
- They are native to Canada, with over 25 species specializing on the Rocky Mountain Regions

Honeybees:

- Small body, fuzzy torso, sleek abdomen, and thin wings
- 2.5cm in length
- Colonies of 1000-25000
- Can sting only once, but the males cannot sting
- Produce a honey comb and honey surplus
- Large portion of the colony overwinters with the queen
- Honeybees are not native to Canada, brought over by Europeans during settlement

Being able to differentiate between the two is essential for understanding the behaviour each. Bumblebees are not aggressive and will only sting when the hive is threatened. Honeybees are calm and non-aggressive, but the quantity of bees can make the homeowner anxious and usually irrational in actions, disturbing the bees and making them feel threatened. The removal of a honeybee hive can be challenging and may take a professional, call your local Beekeepers Association, while bumblebee nests should be left undisturbed until the winter months.

Sharing your yard with any kind of pollinator is an excellent sign of your community health and prosperity. Be sure to respect the bees, and not to fear them. They are not after your meals, they are eaters of pollen and nectar and will leave you alone if you leave them be. ~ http://bees4communities.wordpress.com


To see more of our insect images click here: Insect Gallery

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