Honeybee

Species: European honeybee

Scientific name: Apis mellifera

Appearance: Gold and black striping on the abdomen. Golden tufts of hair on the head and thorax.

Size: 1.2 cm long

Natural History: There are only 8 recognised species of honeybee in the world and the European honeybee is the most common. They live in colonies which may contain tens of thousands of individuals. They are important pollinators and producers of honey.