Mecklenburg County Beekeepers Association
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Honeybee Identification Guide


Color
HoneyBees
Varies, but generally amber to brown translucent, alternating with with black stripes.  Some are mostly black.
Bumblebees
Yellow with black stripes.
Coat
Size
Legs
Behavior
Food
Stinger
Lives
Fury (short hair)
1/2 Inch (1.3 cm)
Pollen baskets are visible
Gentle unless hive is threatened
Nectar from flowers
Barbed, one sting only.  Kills the bee.
Large colonies
Picture
Furry (long hair)
1 inch (2.5 cm)
Pollen baskets visible
Gentle
Nectar from flowers
Smooth, can be used indefinitely
Small cavities in the ground
Picture

Wasp Identification Guide


Color
Coat
Size
Legs
Behavior   
Food
Stinger   
Lives   
Yellow Jacket
Black and Opaque bright yellow stripes
Smooth
1/2 inch (1.3 cm)
No Pollen Baskets.  Two long legs visible during flight
Aggressive
Other insects, sugar drinks, overripe fruit
Smooth, retractable can be used multiple times
Small "papery" nests hanging vertically
Picture
Paper Wasp
Dusty Yellow to dark brown or black
Smooth
3/4 - 1 inch (2 - 2.5 cm)
No Pollen Baskets. Long Legs
Gentle
Other insects
Smooth, retractable, can be used indefinately
Small "papery" nests hanging vertically
Picture
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