Bee Informed Trivia Quiz

Apis mellifera, commonly known as the western honey bee, is a species of bee recognized for its role in pollination and honey production. It is considered a true bee because it belongs to the Apidae family within the order Hymenoptera. It is native to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, though it has been introduced worldwide, including the Americas, Australia, and Asia.

This species thrives in diverse habitats, making it one of the most widespread and studied pollinators.

Vespa velutina, commonly known as the Asian hornet or yellow-legged hornet, is a species of hornet, a type of wasp within the family Vespidae. Vespa velutina is a predator that hunts other insects, including bees, to feed its larvae. It is native to Southeast Asia and has become invasive in parts of Europe, where it threatens local honey bee populations.

It has also been reported in regions of East Asia and was recently introduced to parts of the United Kingdom and other European countries through accidental transport.

Bombus lapidarius, commonly known as the red-tailed bumblebee, is a species of bee belonging to the Apidae family. This bumblebee is easily recognized by its black body and distinctive red or orange tail. Bombus lapidarius is native to Europe and parts of Asia, and it can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, gardens, and farmland.

Xylocopa virginica, commonly known as the eastern carpenter bee, is a species of bee in the family Apidae. Unlike social bees, Xylocopa virginica is a solitary species, with females often tunneling into wood to create nests. It is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in forests.

Its shiny black body with yellow hairs often leads to confusion with bumblebees, but its nesting habits and behavior set it apart.

Helophilus fasciatus, known as a type of hoverfly, is not a bee but a member of the Syrphidae family within the order Diptera, making it a true fly. It is an example of Batesian mimicry--mimicking bees to deter predators. Unlike bees, it has only two wings and lacks the ability to sting.

It is native to North America. Helophilus fasciatus is commonly found near wetlands and meadows, where it feeds on nectar and helps pollinate flowers. Despite its resemblance to bees, it plays a similarly important role in ecosystems as a pollinator.

Vespula maculifrons, commonly known as the eastern yellowjacket, is not a bee but a species of wasp in the family Vespidae. The yellowjacket is carnivorous and feeds on other insects, although it may also consume sugary substances like fruit and nectar.

It is native to North America, found in forests and urban areas. These wasps are social insects, living in colonies with a queen, workers, and drones.

Sceliphron caementarium, commonly known as the black and yellow mud dauber, is not a bee but a solitary wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is known for constructing nests made of mud, where it lays its eggs and stores paralyzed spiders as nourishment for its young.

It is native to the Americas, though is now found worldwide in warm and temperate regions due to accidental human transport. It is commonly seen around buildings, cliffs, and other sheltered areas where it can attach its mud nests.

Megachile rotundata, commonly known as the alfalfa leafcutter bee, is a species of bee in the family Megachilidae. It is a solitary species, with females building nests in natural cavities or artificial nesting blocks and using cut pieces of leaves to line their brood cells.

It is native to Europe, having been introduced to North America and Australia where it thrives in fields of alfalfa.

Apis dorsata, commonly known as the giant honey bee, is a true bee belonging to the Apidae family. True to its name, it is one of the largest honey bee species, with workers reaching up to 17 mm in length. It is native to South and Southeast Asia. Unlike domesticated honey bees, it builds large, single-comb nests in exposed locations such as tree branches or cliffs.

It is known for its aggressive defense of its colonies.

Urocerus gigas, commonly known as the giant woodwasp, is a species of wasp in the family Siricidae. It lays its eggs in dead or dying conifer trees, where the larvae feed on the wood. It is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa and has also been introduced to other regions through the timber trade.

It is often found in forests and areas where conifer trees are abundant. Despite its intimidating size and appearance, this wasp poses no threat to humans, as it lacks the ability to sting.

Promachus rufipes, commonly known as the red-footed cannibal fly, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Robber flies are predators that hunt other insects, including bees, by catching them in flight and injecting venom. It is native to North America, particularly the eastern and central United States, found in open habitats like fields and meadows.

It is characterized by its robust body, reddish legs, and sharp proboscis used for feeding.

Bombus impatiens, commonly known as the common eastern bumblebee, is a true bee belonging to the family Apidae. It is native to eastern North America. Bombus impatiens is a social bee, living in colonies with a queen and worker bees. Its adaptability and effectiveness as a pollinator have also led to its use in commercial greenhouse pollination.