African Honey Bees ( "Killer Bee" )

African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata)

Honey bees are comprised of races (or subspecies) of which the African Honey Bee (scutellata) is one.Nearly identical in appearance to the races of European Honey Bee, the only reliable method of identification is by genetic analysis or comparison of wing size. The behavior of the African bee IS very different from its European cousin. They will nest ANYWHERE. Water meter boxes are a very common nesting site. Image courtesy of Insect IQ

African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata)

Tree holes and woodpecker damaged utility poles provide suitable habitat for African honey bee colonies. Image courtesy of Insect IQ

African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata)

African Honey bees will make external, exposed nests much more readily than european honey bees. Image courtesy of Insect IQ

BEE ALERT.. Look, Listen Run

Africanized Honey Bee educational poster. Courtesy of Florida Dept. of Agriculture's Dept. of Plant Industry, Apiary Section.