Lorraine Beaman, USDA ARS Honey Bee Breeding Lab, Bugwood.
The African bee is native to the savannah of eastern and southern South Africa. It mated with European honey bees in Brazil to create the Africanized honey bee. Sometimes honeybees find new habitats quickly, and move if their current habitat is no longer suitable. They often swarm to establish new nests, can survive on small amounts of pollen and nectar, move their entire colony if food is scarce, find new habitats very quickly, are very defensive, are quick to sting, sense a threat from people or animals 50 feet or more from their nest, and will pursue a perceived enemy long distances. This bee is 3/4 inch long, covered in fuzz, with brown and black strips. It has four clear wings and six legs.
May 2009 calendar events
May 2009 Oregon Invasive Species Council
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Where?
Tree hollows, rotted logs, wood and rock piles.
Lookalike?
Yes. This bee is indistinguishable from other honeybees, except by their more aggressive behavior.
What can you do?
If you suspect you have been attacked by an Africianized honeybee, report it immediately at 1-866-INVADER or www.oregoninvasiveshotline.org
