Society in a Box

A honeybee's life, death and world

Humans have been keeping honeybees for thousands of years, yet the insects still manage to surprise us. Lost in the debate over what is causing the death of bees is how intricately complex their lives are, from the tiniest brood to the virgin queen. After all, what other invertebrate communicates by dance?

THE ANATOMY

Things you may not know about Apis mellifera

ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE

A charge on the bee's hair attracts pollen.

THE PROBOSCIS

The airtight, strawlike tube sucks up nectar and also works in reverse to feed offspring from a honey stomach.

MANDIBLE

The jaws help bite and pack pollen...

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