It is probable there are over 20,000 species of bees worldwide, some possibly undiscovered. They are in two groups, social and solitary, the latter being the far larger group.

Insects are classified by their wings, bees being in a group called hymenoptera. There are only four species of honey bee, called Apis, the honey bee native to Europe being what is known as the Western Honey Bee Apis mellifera.

The button on the left "Honey Bee Family" that was written by Brian P.Dennis is a brief account of honey bees.

Roger Patterson.