The difference between a bee a bumblebee and a wasp

The difference between a bee a bumblebee and a wasp, some key differences between them.

Of the more than 1,200 flying insects, honeybees, bumblebees and wasps are the best known. People often get confused when it comes to identifying the differences between these insects. In fact, they have many similarities as well as differences.

Honey bees are social insects that live in a colony. It is a special kind of bee that works together as a group to build a democratic colony.

A bumblebee is another species of bee that lives close to the ground. Most species are social and live in a colony. But their colonies are not as large as those of honey bees.

A wasp belongs to the order Hymenoptera and can sting its prey. They have a smooth sting that they can use repeatedly. Wasps are both social and solitary.
Yellow wasps and hornets are the most familiar wasps. These are usually social and live in a colony with a queen and many workers.

Bumblebees are thus the most friendly to humans, followed by bees.

Appearance
– Bees: Bees tend to be hairier than wasps. This helps them collect pollen. They usually have a stocky body with a brown or black colour and yellowish stripes.
– Wasps: Wasps have a smoother and slimmer body, with bright yellow and black stripes. They also have a noticeably narrow waist between their thorax and abdomen.

Behaviour
– Bees: Bees are usually peaceful and will only sting if they feel threatened. Honey bees die after stinging because their sting remains stuck in the victim’s skin.
– Wasps: Wasps can be more aggressive, especially in late summer and early autumn when food becomes scarce. Wasps can sting several times without dying because their sting does not remain behind.

Nutrition
– Bees: Bees feed mainly on nectar and pollen from flowers. Honey bees make honey from the nectar they collect.
– Wasps: Wasps are omnivores and feed on nectar as well as insects, meat and sweet food. They are often found around rubbish or picnics looking for sugary food.

Nest-building
– Bees: Bees build their nests from wax, which they produce themselves. Honey bees build honeycombs in hives or cavities in trees.
– Wasps: Wasps build their nests from papery material that they make by chewing wood fibres and mixing them with their saliva. These nests are often found in bushes, under roofs or in the ground.

Role in nature
– Bees: Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers and crops, which is essential for food production.
– Wasps: Although wasps are less appreciated, they are also useful in nature. They help fight harmful insects by catching them and feeding on their larvae.