Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants, and are known for their role in pollination, and in the case of the best-known bee species, the European honey bee, for producing honey and beeswax. There are nearly 20,000 known species of bees in seven to nine recognized families, though many are undescribed and the actual number is probably higher. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, in every habitat on the planet that contains insect-pollinated flowering plants. Like ants, they are known for their brood care and are led by a fertile queen.

Species

• honeybee

Not to be confused with:

• bee fly, a species of fly that resembles (and possibly mimics) the honeybee.

Related

• bee humanoid

See also:

• arthropod
• insect