Representative Genera
Some notable genera within the Apidae family:
- Apis – Honeybee (Apis mellifera), a social species widely used in beekeeping.
- Bombus – Bumblebees, stout-bodied, social or semi-social, highly effective pollinators.
- Xylocopa – Carpenter bees, large black solitary bees nesting in wood.
- Nomada – Parasitic bees (cleptoparasites), wasp-like appearance, do not collect pollen.
- Anthophora – Robust bees, often active in spring, fast and noisy flyers.
Habitat
Varies widely by genus:
- Gardens, flower-rich meadows, open forests
- Wooded areas for wood-nesting species
- Sandy soils or riverbanks for ground-nesting species
Biology
- Social organization:
- Apis and Bombus: social species
- Other genera: solitary or parasitic species
- Nesting:
- Natural cavities, wood, soil, hives (Apis)
- Sometimes collective nests in bumblebees
- Pollination:
- Highly important: many species are adapted to pollinate orchids, legumes, etc.
Notable Traits
- Frequent presence of corbicula (pollen baskets)
- Powerful, sometimes noisy flight (Xylocopa, Bombus)
- Varied floral adaptations, sometimes highly specialized
More than 5,700 species. The family includes solitary bees, parasitic and cleptoparasitic bees, as well as social ones. Notably includes honeybees.
Genus Apis
Apis florea
Image introuvable : macrophotographie/hymenoptera/apoidea/apidae/apis_florea/apis_florea_01.jpg
