Apis mellifera, Honey Bee
- pollinators1
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Though not native to North America, honey bees (Apis mellifera) have become integral to Colorado's agricultural landscape, particularly in alfalfa production across the state's eastern plains. These social insects live in highly organized colonies with complex communication systems, including the famous "waggle dance" that conveys distance and direction to food sources. Alfalfa's purple flowers provide excellent nectar flow, though the crop's "tripping" mechanism can sometimes injure foraging bees when flower parts snap forward. Honey bee colonies can contain up to 60,000 individuals during peak season, with workers visiting hundreds of flowers daily.
Their pollination services are essential for alfalfa seed production, supporting both Colorado's livestock feed industry and the state's substantial honey production. However, challenges like varroa mites, pesticide exposure, and habitat loss continue to threaten these industrious pollinators' populations.
In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects.
Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers.
Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report! Check out pages 26, 74-75 and 94 to discover more about the Honey Bee!
