What is the difference between bees and wasps. Honey bee and common wasp. Behavior and nutrition

Most likely even in childhood each of us asked such a question, what is the difference between a wasp and a bee, a hornet from a bumblebee, a fly from a cockroach, and similar trifles. Today we intend to analyze in our review two species of Hymenoptera, which, despite the fact that they belong to the same taxonomic group, are actually almost two opposites, like plus and minus signs.

So, let's talk about how a bee differs from a wasp, how to distinguish a wasp sting from a bee sting, and much more about these two canonical species of Hymenoptera.

External differences

I must say that from a certain distance it is not always possible to say with certainty what kind of insect is flying, a bee or a wasp. Still, both species (and in this review we will consider and compare exactly the species, using the example of an ordinary wasp and a honey bee) belong to the same order of Hymenoptera, and naturally, they cannot differ in the same way as a grasshopper differs from a butterfly.

Stinging insects.

But, in fact, these two types of insects really have a lot more different than in common. And this statement concerns both their essence and lifestyle, as well as external characteristics.

So, what is the difference between wasps and bees.

We list the main differences, and these include:

  • body shape;
  • thickness of the transition between the thoracic segment and the abdomen;
  • presence/absence of body hair of insects;
  • paw thickness;
  • body painting.

Now let's explain each of the above points.

A wasp is really distinguished from a bee by a more torpedo-shaped body. She looks as if stricter, her body has an elongated, lean, more pointed shape.

Perhaps one of the main features of all wasps that distinguishes these insects from others can be called their so-called "waist", a comparison with which has long been a catch phrase. Indeed, in the structure of its body, the predator has a very narrow transition from the thoracic section to the abdomen.

Also, a bee is distinguished from a wasp by the presence of a very noticeable thick hairline, especially on the thoracic segment of the body. The wasp, on the contrary, does not have visible hairs on its body, its body is smooth.


The bees have more fleshy, so to speak, black paws. In wasps, the limbs are usually yellow, and they are also longer and thinner than those of a bee.

And finally, both types of insects have very different body colors, especially coloring is a characteristic distinguishing feature for wasps. If you look very close at representatives of both species, it is impossible not to identify the striped predator.

Its bright black-and-yellow color, together with the predatory expression of the “face”, betrays in it a pitiful killer much more clearly than a stinging hymenopteran insect, which is also capable of standing up for itself, can be determined in the calmer and more comfortable appearance of a bee.

Despite the fact that both species have gnawing-licking mouthparts, the wasp still has much more impressive mandibles, which emphasizes the aggressiveness of the species and the focus on fighting and attacking.

Lifestyle

Bees and wasps have only one common feature in terms of mode of existence, which is characteristic of most Hymenoptera, including ants and bumblebees. Both the wasp and the bee are social insects, the main life purpose of which is to take care of the hive in bees, and to provide food and protection to the colony in wasps.

However, there are more differences between the two species than there are commonalities. Bees are much more focused on taking care of the hive, they tend to invest their entire lives on the altar of preserving the larvae and queen.

Wasps, being predators and aggressors, not only protect their colony, larvae and their wasp queen from outside encroachments, but they themselves quite often carry out attacks on others. social insects, such as the same bees or ants.

Wasps never encroach on bumblebees, because this predator will not cope with such a large adversary, unless it is a hornet. But with bees, wasps arrange real battles, in which wasps more adapted to aggression often win.

Relationship with a person

There is no doubt that the attitude of a person to industrious, useful bees from all sides, and to a much greater extent useless for people, aggressive wasps is very different.

Indeed, since ancient times, bees have been used by humans to obtain such valuable products of their vital activity as honey, propolis, and wax; their venom is used in medicine.

The difference between a bee and a wasp.

In ancient times, honey was called the food of the gods, noting the amazing combination of its taste properties with such healing properties like recuperation and life extension.

Propolis and wax are also the most valuable substances that have pronounced antibiotic properties and are widely used in pharmacology in the creation of many drugs.

Bee venom has been used for decades as a therapy for problems with cardiovascular system, with sleep disorders, treats rheumatic diseases, neuralgia, generally mobilizes and improves immunity.

What can oppose such a set of wasps? Actually, quite a bit.

If we talk about the whole family as a whole, the same hornets, for example, and many other types of wasps perform the function of cleaners of farmlands from many harmful insects and their larvae.

However, to a greater extent, this striped aggressor is associated in humans with a pest, which is also dangerous to health. Wasps often sting for no reason, attack bee hives, they also tend to gnaw holes in the peel of fruits, thereby spoiling the crop.

Bite difference

The difference between a bee and a wasp is also manifested in the behavior of representatives of both species in the event of a threat.

Indeed, it is common for bees to use their weapons only in the most extreme cases, when the insect is sure that either she or her hive, and therefore the larvae and the queen, are in mortal danger. After all, the bee, as you know, dies after stinging the enemy, since its sting always remains at the injection site, and the process of stinging inflicts injuries incompatible with life to the honey worker.

The wasp, on the other hand, has a different structure of its reduced ovipositor, which it can use many times without any threat to its health.

Also chemical composition The venom of these species of Hymenoptera has some differences, although very minor. With a bee sting, the allergic reaction of the human body is somewhat less pronounced.

Conclusion

As we could see from what we read, wasps and bees really are, as it were, two opposites.

These two species of hymenoptera, of course, have some unavoidable common features. appearance and social lifestyle. But, nevertheless, these are creatures completely different in nature, noticeably different from each other both externally and in behavioral characteristics. Just as the perception of a domestic dog and a wild wolf by a person differs, in the same way one can characterize the attitude of a beekeeper to a useful bee and a predatory aggressive wasp.

What to do if swelling and redness appear from a bee or wasp sting depends on the complexity of the symptoms. Swelling, inflammation, red spot occur immediately after entering the bloodstream. In some cases, the condition returns to normal within a few days, in others, medical attention is required.

Differences between a wasp sting, a bee

Insects belong to the same class of stinging insects. The sting is a modified ovipositor, so only females bite. When the abdominal muscles contract, the sting pierces the skin, poison is instantly injected. The immune system reacts to damage to the skin, the ingress of a toxic substance with swelling, pain, redness, swelling.

It is possible to determine whether a wasp or a bee has bitten by one important sign. A bee leaves a stinger in a wound, a wasp does not. has notches, looks like a saw. Sticks into the body easily, but has no way to move in the opposite direction. The insect makes a jerk, the sting comes off along with part of the abdomen, continues to pulsate, pump poison. Bee in a few minutes.

Smooth, reminiscent of a large needle. Freely sticks into the skin, easily removed. In one attack, the insect can sting up to 5 times, after which it flies freely.

You can find out if a wasp or a bee stung, according to sensations, external. Wasp venom is stronger, more toxic. After a bite, a local allergic reaction instantly develops. If an insect stings on the neck, the poison enters the bloodstream faster, and common allergy symptoms develop. Bee venom can cause pronounced local manifestations, rarely provokes a strong reaction. The exception is people with individual intolerance to bee venom.

On a note!

If we compare who stings more painfully - a wasp, a bee or a bumblebee, the first place in terms of soreness, dangers are taken away, in last place is the bee. In terms of frequency of bites, wasps win because they are distinguished by aggressive behavior. Any sudden movement is regarded as an encroachment on life, they rush to attack.

Bite symptoms

Outwardly, the manifestations are practically the same. It is difficult to assess the degree of pain, if a wasp or a bee stings for the first time, a person has nothing to compare with. The bite looks like this:

  • edema;
  • redness;
  • swelling;
  • pain;
  • in the center is a dot with a small depression;

A photo of a bee or wasp sting is presented below. You can carefully consider all the features of the traces of the attack of striped insects.

On a note!

If a wasp, a bee stings in the leg, injects poison into the arm, the entire limb swells. With a bite in the neck, face, tongue, the likelihood of swelling of the larynx increases. In severe cases, Quincke's edema develops. In the absence of qualified assistance, a person risks dying. If a bee bites or a swarm of wasps attacks, the dose of poison in the blood increases significantly, and anaphylactic shock can occur.

A severe allergic reaction provokes:

  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • diarrhea
  • violation of coordination of movement;
  • clouding of consciousness;
  • fainting;
  • blurred vision;
  • lowering blood pressure;
  • pallor of the skin;
  • pupil constriction;
  • difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
  • arrhythmia;
  • increased sweating;
  • chills.

At home, exercise or bees are allowed with a local allergic reaction. If there is a deterioration in well-being, difficulty breathing, the larynx swells, you should immediately call ambulance or go to the sanitary checkpoint accompanied by other people.

First aid for a bee or wasp sting

After an insect attack, certain actions must be taken to avoid complications and reduce the manifestations of allergies.

  1. Rinse the wound clean cold water. The procedure will help wash away the remnants of poison, remove dirt. At home, laundry soap is used.
  2. Disinfect. Use ammonia, medical, boric alcohol. As well as hydrogen peroxide, medicinal herbal tincture of medicinal herbs.
  3. Neutralize the action of the poison. Vinegar is used citric acid. To prepare the solution, 1 teaspoon of vinegar or 0.5 teaspoon of acid is introduced into a glass of water. They wipe the sore spot, make lotions, compresses. If it is not possible to prepare a solution, apply a piece of sugar for 5 minutes.
  4. Don't let the poison spread. Ice cubes are applied to the bite site for 5 minutes or cold objects - a bottle of water, meat from the freezer, a heating pad. Cold constricts blood vessels, prevents the spread of poison, and also relieves swelling, eliminates pain.
  5. Reduce inflammation. You can treat the bite with a decoction, tincture of calendula, chamomile, valerian. Or use pharmaceutical preparations.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should take an antihistamine as soon as possible. Be sure to drink the medicine with multiple bites, if a wasp, a bee stings in the neck, face.

Folk remedies

Symptoms disappear completely within a week. All this time, the sore spot hurts, itches. To speed up tissue regeneration, use folk remedies. They are also used if it is not possible to treat the wound with professional antiseptics.

  • Baking soda. They make pasta. Add a little water, mix, apply to the bite site until dry.
  • Laundry soap. You need to smear the bite with foam. Leave for 5 minutes.
  • plant juices. Apply celandine, dandelion, plantain, aloe vera.
  • Toothpaste. For medicinal purposes, use a hygienic agent with menthol. Leave on the skin for 5 minutes. Shaving foam is used instead of paste.
  • Onion. Squeeze out the juice or apply gruel to the sore spot. The tool neutralizes the poison, prevents the penetration of infection.

On a note!

Potato, carrot, beetroot, lemon, grapefruit juices have anti-inflammatory properties. They make compresses, lotions, just wipe the wound.

Preparations for a normal reaction to a bee sting, wasp

Use a product based on natural ingredients, herbal extracts, essential oils.

  • Menovazin. Produced in the form of an ointment, solution. As part of menthol and 2 painkillers. Relief comes at the time of application. Process up to 4 times a day.
  • Calendula. Apply ointment, solution. It has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antipruritic, disinfecting, analgesic properties.
  • Star. The balm contains camphor, clove oil, mint, menthol, and other natural ingredients. The tool eliminates painful symptoms, stops inflammation, accelerates tissue regeneration. Spread should be from redness, pain, itching, inflammation.
  • Boro Plus. Antiseptic cream based on oils, herbal extracts. Smells good, helps quickly. The universal preparation is allowed to be applied, if necessary, up to 5 times a day.

If no improvement in the condition of the skin is observed within 2 days, agents are used to reduce the activity of histamines.

Antihistamines

Active components reduce the level of histamine, stop the pathological process, and eliminate allergy symptoms. Apply a thin layer twice a day. Contraindication is individual intolerance to the components. Do not use for more than 7 days. To enhance the effect, take tablets, syrup, drops for oral administration.

Effective means:

  • Claritin;
  • Suprastin;
  • Diazolin;
  • Fenistil-gel;
  • Psilo balm.

The average price is 300 rubles. Released without a prescription.

On a note!

If you have a severe allergic reaction or if antihistamines do not help, prescribe hormonal.

Antiallergic drugs

The active substances are hormones from the group of glucocorticosteroids. Act similarly antihistamines, but 4 times faster. They lower the activity of histamine, increase blood pressure, reduce vascular permeability, and eliminate the external symptoms of allergies. It is forbidden to treat a sting of a wasp, a bee without the advice of specialists.

Tablets for oral administration Prednisolone, Dexamethasone. The dosage is selected depending on age. Adults - up to 3 pieces per day. The course of therapy depends on the complexity of the symptoms.

Ointment for wasp and bee stings:

  • Sinaflan;
  • Advantan;
  • Elocom;
  • Hydrocortisone;
  • Betamethasone;
  • Triaccutane.

Contraindication to use is the presence of individual intolerance to the components. Price hormonal drugs from 50 rub. up to 500 rubles The cheapest Hydrocortisone ointment, its price is within 50 rubles.

What Not to Do

After a bite, it is forbidden to squeeze out the poison, since such actions contribute to the spread of a toxic substance, the penetration of a secondary infection. It is forbidden to scratch the wound, rub for the same reason. You can't drink alcohol. Alcoholic drinks dilate blood vessels, increase blood circulation, which contribute to the spread of poison through the blood.


When pathogens enter the wound, a secondary infection develops. At the site of the bite, suppuration, sores appear, and the scale of inflammation increases. In this case, it is forbidden to use hormonal external agents. Treatment is with local antibiotics. An effective, affordable remedy - Levomekol, Tetracycline ointment. They also use combined hormonal agents containing an antibiotic - Elocom C, Fluorocort.

Benefit of a bite

Treatment with bees or wasps is used in alternative medicine. The composition of the poison contains substances that accelerate metabolic processes, tissue rejuvenation, cell renewal. The toxic substance lowers blood pressure, which is useful for hypertensive patients. Bee venom has analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties, so it is often used to treat sciatica, vertebral hernia, other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Wasp poison has properties to stop the development of tumors, renew cells. used in alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer prostate, gallbladder. Further research is being carried out. Experts hope to obtain an effective anti-cancer drug based on wasp venom in the future.

Specific treatment should be carried out under the supervision of specialists, self-therapy can lead to serious consequences.

On a note!

After a wasp sting, bees produce antibodies in the body that resist the development severe allergies in future. However, in people with impaired immune system function, addiction does not occur. Each subsequent bite is more dangerous than the previous one. A vaccine is given to prevent severe allergies. It is a purified poison, which contains a low amount of histamine. It is impossible to completely cure intolerance to wasp venom; revaccination should be done periodically.

Wasps, bumblebees and bees belong to the same order of Hymenoptera. Despite many similarities, there are some significant differences.

If bumblebees and bees are represented by only a few species, then wasps have dozens of species, ranging from collective individuals to loners with completely different habits. Sometimes there are more differences in varieties of one species than a wasp differs from a bee and a bumblebee.

Outwardly, bees are easily distinguished from wasps and bumblebees if the insect does not stay in motion. However, while in flight, it is rather problematic to distinguish between a specific species. Also, in addition to external features, insect bites also differ.
About bees there are reports of 15 thousand years ago. In the 17th century, scientists paid special attention to the communication of bees in a team. Thus, it was proved that insects transmit information using the language of dance: circular movements, the nature of the flight, etc.

Due to their diversity, arthropods are an excellent example of collective and individual effective survival.

Differences in the physical structure of arthropods

A significant difference is tracked between the signs of the external structure.

Scientists divide the body of an arthropod representative into the following parts:

  • head;
  • abdomen;
  • chest part;
  • chitinous cover of an insect.

In the case of the head shape, the bee is strikingly triangular in appearance, containing the center of nerve connections. A line is noticeable along the central part, on both sides of which compound eyes of a black insect are planted.

The complex structure of the eye is a special example of successful engineering solution. The organ consists of many plates (with the shape of a honeycomb), a round tube with the property of light transmission goes to the center of the head.

Wasps have 2 pairs of webbed wings. Depending on the species, the insect can reach from 1.5 cm to 10 cm. in length. On the lower facial part of the head are two jointed antennae that can move autonomously. Such an organ allows the insect to determine the level of carbon dioxide and humidity, which is extremely useful in a dark hive.

Wasps got three pairs of legs, which in turn consist of 9 segments.

Table: What is the difference between a wasp and a bee and a bumblebee, a brief comparison.

bee (honey bee) Bumblebee

Decorated with clear contours of dark and light (often yellow) stripes. There are no villi on the cover

Also has contours on the body with alternating dark and bright colors. There is a covering of the body with hairs, the lower section has the densest cover.

It has more saturated tones than bees. On the body there are stripes with dark color and light tint. The tip of the abdomen of some species is colored white. There is a bright hairline, giving the impression of hairiness.

The division of the body into two segments in the breast area begins an oblong abdominal part. The abdomen is expressed in more even forms. More rounded body shape

Villi:

No chitinous hairs

Present abundantly on the abdomen

Present, abundant cover

Individual weight:

Depends on the type

Worker weight:

Worker weight:

Important! The weight of the uterus of arthropods differs significantly from other representatives of the hive.

At first glance, you can see a more oblong and elongated version of the body. There is a term "wasp waist" which is expressed by an extremely small girth.

The whole body has a bright color, in some species there are small areas with hairs. The wasp's jaws are much larger than those of bees. The coloring is very bright and well visible.

Bees have more pronounced paws. The coloration is more blurred, shaded. The connection between the abdomen and breast is not so sharp. The chest area has a copious amount of hairs. The back of the bee has a gray-black color.

As for the bumblebee, the individual is extremely large in comparison with relatives. He has a similar color, but a denser cover of hairs. The bumblebee is much fluffier and wider than bees. The paws of the species are also much wider. Yellow, reddish and red stripes may appear on the body. Some varieties may be completely black in color.

How to distinguish insects in flight? When flying, the wasp makes jerky movements at intervals, freezing in place. Characterized by high speed and sharpness. In some cases, individuals large size that makes them clumsy.

The bee moves more smoothly with more rounded flight paths. It is impossible to call her a loafer in view of her special status as a honey producer. This worker is the only supplier of honey to our tables.

The bumblebee is a real heavyweight, as a result of which it flies the distance slowly and heavily.

In addition, the difference between bees and wasps and bumblebees is expressed in nutrition.

For example:

  • the bumblebee forages alone, and fly out in search of nectar before other membranous;
  • honey insects fly around the territory in small groups;
  • wasps can search for food in a flock.

The bumblebee feeds on vegetarian food mainly on nectar, but some arthropods are omnivores, and are also quite aggressive in capturing food.

As mentioned earlier, wasps are the most irritable. Most often it is wasps that bite. Due to the large jaws, an individual can bite a person. Wasps don't die after being bitten, so they sting more. The venom of the sting causes unpleasant itching and pain, the intensity of which depends on the size of the insect. If you did not find a sting inside the wound after a bite, you can say that it was not a bee.

Important! The reason for an insect bite can be even an unpleasant smell or a careless movement.

The bee takes care of its weapon and does not use it in vain, as this cripple their insides, and they die after a while. The sting of the bees has notches and gets stuck in the victim. During a bite, the bees send a signal to other individuals, and they begin to help bite in a group. Bumblebees are most often alone and manage on their own.

Bee venom from wasp venom appears in medicine. Bee toxins are used in medicine for apitoxin therapy (treatment with bee venom). However, one should have the professional guidance of doctors.

Attention! The bumblebee stings much stronger than other insects, but weaker than the hornet.

The difference between bumblebees in a calm character and most often representatives of the species do not show aggression and is the opposite of smaller arthropods. Their sting is smooth. Therefore, it does not remain in the body of the victim.

If your dream is an apiary, then first of all you need to figure out what breeds of bees exist and what are the differences between them. Each breed is distinguished by its working capacity, character, resistance to frost, as well as appearance.

To date, around the world, you can count about two dozen varieties of bees. In this article, we will show the most common breeds of bees.

All yellow bees of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan can be attributed to the yellow Caucasian breed of bees. The body color of the bees is gray with bright yellow rings. A one-day bee weighs 90 mg, and its proboscis is 6.6-6.9 mm. The weight of an infertile uterus is 180 mg, and that of a fetal uterus is 200 mg.

Did you know?The characteristic of the fertility of the uterus of this breed of bees is amazing: it can reach up to 1700 eggs per day. The queen brood is usually sown in the lower part of the combs.

In a warm, mild climate, yellow Caucasian bees feel most comfortable. Long cold winters are not for them. Under natural habitat conditions, at temperatures up to +8 ° C, they can make winter overflights. The consumption of honey in winter is extremely low. In early spring The efficiency of yellow Caucasian bees is actively developing.

The roiling behavior of this species of bees is good, they release up to 10 swarms and are able to lay about 100 queen cells. Experienced beekeepers say that there can be 2-3 queens in a swarm, and after a swarm of bees enters the hive, they leave the best queen, while killing the rest.

Yellow Caucasian bees are quite peaceful. When inspecting the nest of bees, the uterus does not stop its work, and the bees do not leave the frames. The frames will propolis profusely, leaving a wet, dark-colored signet of honey.

Bees steal well enough and can attack other families, while they protect their nests poorly. Able to harvest propolis and pollen well, working actively, they can collect a lot of honey. The waxiness of bees is low. They quickly change one bribe for another, their performance in bad weather does not decrease. They adapt well to a hot climate, as well as to transportation.

Central Russian

The Central Russian breed of bees today is distributed throughout the world, but Central and Northern Europe is considered its homeland. Young bees of this breed are quite large, they can weigh up to 110 mg. The bee's body is dark gray color, covered with sparse long hairs, 5 mm long, and the proboscis - up to 6.4 mm. When they are attacked by bees, they are not good enough to protect the nest, and are not able to steal from others.

Propolis the nest in moderation. They are good at using violent bribes. First of all, the bees fill the store with honey; if the place is filled, they use the nest, while reducing brood reproduction. If they lose the uterus, then in the family long time tinder bees do not appear.

Unlike other species, Central Russian bees are better than others able to withstand frost. Since in the winter club carbon dioxide is within 4%, this leads to the fact that the bees are in a state of rest, reducing activity. This type of bee swarms very well. Quite often, half of the apiary is in a swarming state.

Bees collect honey from buckwheat, linden and heather. In terms of productivity, they can exceed other types of bees. Their seal of honey is white. They can collect a large amount of pollen and have a good waxiness.

Mountain Gray Caucasian

The mountain gray Caucasian breed of bees has found its place in the mountainous regions of Transcaucasia and the Caucasus. Bees of this species are very peaceful. They have the longest proboscis - up to 7.2 mm. The weight of one-day worker bees reaches up to 90 mg, fetal queens up to 200 mg, and barren - up to 180 mg. The fertility of queens reaches up to 1500 eggs per day.

The nest is abundantly propolised, the signet of honey is wet, dark in color. This breed of bees often attacks other nests, while they can perfectly defend themselves. If you inspect the nest of bees, they will behave in a friendly manner, not stopping work on the comb, even if you get it. A distinctive feature of this species is that they are very good at collecting nectar. They can easily find a source of bribe for themselves, quickly changing the plants on which the nectar is found.

With sufficient release of nectar from buckwheat and linden, they do not exceed Central Russian bees in terms of productivity. First of all, honey is collected in the brood part of the nest, and then - in extensions. Swarminess in gray Caucasian bees is low, only 4-5% can be in a swarming state. But they are able to lay from 8 to 20 queen cells.

It is not difficult for bees to switch from a swarm state to a working state. If the bees overwinter not on their native lands, then their susceptibility to frost decreases, unlike the Central Russian ones. Transportation is well tolerated.

The habitat of this species of bees is the Carpathians. The body of the bee is gray, the proboscis reaches 7 mm in length, and the weight of worker bees is 110 mg. A fetal uterus weighs up to 205 mg, and an infertile one - 185 mg. In spring, when the intensity of development of families is high, the fertility of the uterus can reach up to 1800 eggs per day.
A feature of these bees is that they are able to start collecting work at an early age. Bees collect nectar, which contains little sugar. Carpathian bees are very peaceful, they remain calm when examining the nest, without stopping their work, their swarming is low.

Signet of honey white color and dry. The productivity of families is high, it can reach up to 40 kg. Carpathian bees can easily find the source of the honeybee, quickly switch from one to another, while not being in a swarming state. However, if the weather is unfavorable, the bees do not fly out for a bribe.

In terms of wax productivity, Carpathian bees are inferior to Italian and Russian breeds. When attacked, the nest is well protected, while they are prone to theft. Harvesting pollen in this breed is low. Carpathian bees are indifferent to the wax moth, so you should pay attention to the fight against comb pests.

The Ukrainian breed of bees lives in the regions of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The body of the bee is light gray in color, the length of the proboscis reaches up to 6.63 mm. The weight of the infertile uterus is about 180 mg, and the fetal - 200 mg. The fertility of the uterus reaches up to 2300 eggs per day, while it can increase to the main collection of honey from linden, white acacia.

In the spring, colonies develop slowly because they do not fly in cool weather. When examining the nest, the bees behave calmly, but they are not as peaceful as the Caucasian gray bees. The nest is propolised moderately, the collection of honey is moderate.

Signet of honey white, dry. In unfavorable weather, bees do not fly out for nectar. When the time comes for the main collection of honey, the bees master sunflowers, which grow in Ukraine in large numbers. Collecting nectar, Ukrainian bees can fly 5 km away from the apiary.

The swarming of this breed is average. Bees are not prone to stealing, but when attacked, they can perfectly protect their nest. Their pollen harvest is low. The productivity of Ukrainian bees is quite good, up to 40 kg. Experienced beekeepers report a honey harvest of 120 kg. Frost resistance is quite high. Transportation is well tolerated.

The birthplace of the Italian breed of bees is modern Italy. All breeds of honey bees are in demand, but this species is the most common in the world. There are several types of color of Italian bees: gray, three-striped and golden. This is a fairly large bee, the weight of the worker reaches 115 mg, and the proboscis is up to 6.7 mm. The weight of an infertile female is 190 mg, and that of a fetal female is 210 mg. Fertility of the uterus reaches up to 2500 eggs per day, in large numbers sowing on combs.

When examining the nest, the bees are in a calm state. It is easier for bees to find a source of nectar near the nest, so they can often steal from neighboring families, while they guard their nests well. This breed has good productivity, they can easily switch from one source of bribe to another.

Development begins in late spring and lasts until the end of summer, which gives them the opportunity to build up their families. First of all, the bees collect honey in the upper extensions and cases, and when they are full, the collection is transferred to the nest.

Signet of honey is wet, white or gray. In adverse weather, they do not fly out for nectar. They build beautiful, even, very neat honeycombs. Not bad harvest propolis and pollen. The roilingness of Italian bees is average.

Important!Since the bees are guided by color, and not by location, they can fly into neighboring hives.

Bees of this breed are thermophilic and therefore poorly resistant to frost. Transportation is not well tolerated.

Karnika, or Krajinsky

Karnika, or the Krajina breed of bees, lives in Austria and Yugoslavia. The body of the bee is dark gray, the length of the proboscis reaches up to 6.8 mm, and the weight of the worker bee is 110 mg. The barren uterus weighs 185 mg, and the fetal - 205 mg. The fertility of the uterus reaches 200 eggs per day.

A characteristic feature is the peacefulness of the karniki, but when they examine the honeycomb, they behave restlessly and move non-stop along it. The roiling of Krajina bees is moderate, if there are no bribes, then it increases. The development of colonies in bees can be characterized in some steps: the growth of the colony is quite fast, so you need to have time to expand the nest and start collecting honey. When collecting honey, first of all, they fill the nest box, and only then the extensions and upper boxes.

What is the difference between a wasp and a bee, most people learned at school. Some of this "secret" was revealed by acquaintances, friends or relatives. At the same time, there are people who are still quite poorly versed in this issue. Interest in how a wasp differs from a bee is sharply awakened if a person is stung by one of these insects. Let's finally finally figure out which of these "flyers" produces delicious honey, and which behaves like a military aggressor, constantly attacking and causing pain.

Appearance

The first thing that distinguishes a wasp from a bee is its appearance. In flight, of course, it is quite difficult to look closely at a flyer, but if you stand still for a minute and wait until the insect lands to rest, then it will not be so difficult to determine its type. Pay attention to the photo of a bee and a wasp.

The latter belongs to the suborder Stalk-bellied, its body is elongated, has a noticeable and bright color, does not contain villi, that is, it is smooth. In area chest it is as if constricted by a corset, from which the well-known phrase “wasp waist” came from. The bee looks a little different. According to the classification, it belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which, in turn, belongs to the superfamily Apoidea. Her body has a rounded shape and is covered on top with small villi. The coloration of bees is not as bright as wasps. And if you look closely, you can see yellow-black stripes on the body.

Bite

The second difference between a wasp and a bee lies in the peculiarities of the use of a sting: bees can use it only once in their life, in the most extreme case. After the bite of this insect, its sting remains in the body of the victim, and the bee itself dies. Another thing is the wasp, which never parted with its weapon and can attack several times in a row. All this affects the motivation to bite, which will not hurt to learn more. A bee stings only when it feels a real threat and danger to its life or to the hive. The wasp has an annoying and aggressive nature and can attack for the most trifling reason.

Life type

The third difference between these flyers is that, thanks to bees, we always have the opportunity to enjoy the most delicious, healthy and beautiful product from flower nectar. Who doesn't love honey? Perhaps such people do not exist at all. In addition, do not forget about wax and propolis, which are raw materials for the manufacture of various medicines. Unlike the worker bee, the loafer wasp does nothing useful to humans. This insect lives in a hive built from various waste and garbage, and eats anything. Wasps are very unpretentious to food and consume everything: nectar, and jam forgotten on the table, and watermelon ... If some gaping midge comes across on the road, then it will also be used. In contrast, a bee is a real vegan, and this is another sign that helps to determine the difference between a wasp and a bee.

We hope now that from now on it will not be so difficult to figure out who exactly flies in front of you. In any case, it is better not to disturb both bees and wasps once again, since their bites can bring not only pain, but also serious consequences, especially when there is an allergy.

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