The western honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, naturally occurs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The species is believed to have originated in Northern reaches of Africa or Asia, but the debate remains. By analyzing 251 genomes from 18 subspecies, researchers found support for an Asian origin of honey bees with at least three expansions leading to African and European lineages. The adaptive radiation of honey bees involved selection on a few genomic ‘hotspots.’ (UCANR, 2016)
Subspecies and Introduction to the Americas
This honey bee has been subdivided into at least 20 recognized subspecies (or races), none of which are native to the Americas. However, subspecies of the western honey bee have been spread extensively beyond their natural range due to economic benefits related to pollination and honey production.
Honey Bees in the United States
In the United States, “European” honey bees represent a complex of several interbreeding European subspecies including; Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann, Apis mellifera mellifera Linnaeus, Apis mellifera causcasia Pollmann, and Apis mellifera iberiensis Engel.
The first honey bees to arrive in what is now the United States in the Jamestown colony, were what beekeepers call the “dark bee” subspecies of Northern Europe, Apis mellifera mellifera. Today the Italian bee, Apis mellifera ligustica, is the most common bee in the United States.
Importance of Honeybees for Agriculture and Biodiversity
The honey bee is considered the most prolific pollinator globally. Honey bees are essential for pollination, as they visit a wide variety of plants, including crops and wildflowers, and are highly efficient in transferring pollen between flowers. Their ability to work in large colonies and their widespread presence make them incredibly effective pollinators, crucial for both agriculture and biodiversity.
Beyond pollination, honey bees contribute billions of dollars annually to the global economy, not only through their role in food production (Every third bite you take is contributed to a pollinator and the majority of that is due to the honey bee), but also through products like honey and beeswax, which support industries ranging from cosmetics to medicine.
Additionally, honey bees are critical for maintaining biodiversity. They support the reproduction of countless plant species that would disappear without them, which, in turn, provide food and habitat for other wildlife. As their populations face threats like habitat loss and disease, honey bees have also become symbols of conservation, emphasizing the need to protect pollinators and the ecosystems they sustain.
Homeowners and the Importance of Honey Bees
Homeowners should respect Western honey bees because they are essential pollinators, supporting food production and biodiversity. Their efforts ensure the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers, making them vital to both ecosystems and human well-being.
“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.” – Albert Einstein
References
• Hahn, Daniel C., and Nathaniel D. Christensen. “Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Observed Following Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers.” Avibirds, n.d., https://avibirds.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/geelbuiksapspecht8.pdf.
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Western honey bee genome study reveals evolutionary adaptations. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/sb3help/assets/blogs_525/?blogpost=51095&blogasset=20762#:~:text=By%20analyzing%20251%20genomes%20from,on%20a%20few%20genomic%20’hotspots.
• “Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Feeding Habits Benefit Overall Forest Ecology.” Michigan State University Extension, 8 July 2016, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/sapsucker_feeding_habits_benefit_overall_forest_ecology.