AFRICANIZED BEE Meaning and
Definition
-
The Africanized bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera scutellata, is a hybrid species resulting from the interbreeding of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) and African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata). This hybrid bee exhibits characteristics that are distinct from the European honeybee and is often referred to as the "Africanized bee" due to its geographical origin.
Africanized bees possess several notable traits. They are known for their highly defensive behavior and are more likely to respond aggressively when threatened, known as their hyper-defensive nature. Their colonies tend to have a larger population, making them appear more active and energetic. They exhibit a strong tendency to swarm, meaning they are more likely to leave their hive and establish new colonies elsewhere. This swarming behavior can occur more frequently compared to other honeybee species.
These bees are also adept at adapting and thriving in different ecological conditions, making them well-suited to tropical and subtropical regions. They are excellent foragers and demonstrate a higher resistance to certain pests and diseases compared to European honeybees.
It is essential to note that the Africanized bee’s reputation for aggression and defensive behaviors should not be exaggerated. While their defensive response is more intense, their stinging capability is similar to that of other honeybees. Furthermore, with proper beekeeping management and responsible handling techniques, the Africanized bee can be safely managed and utilized for pollination and honey production, providing numerous benefits to agricultural ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for AFRICANIZED BEE
- zfricanized bee
- sfricanized bee
- wfricanized bee
- qfricanized bee
- adricanized bee
- acricanized bee
- avricanized bee
- agricanized bee
- atricanized bee
- arricanized bee
- afeicanized bee
- afdicanized bee
- afficanized bee
- afticanized bee
- af5icanized bee
- af4icanized bee
- afrucanized bee
- afrjcanized bee
- afrkcanized bee
Etymology of AFRICANIZED BEE
The word "Africanized" in the term "Africanized Bee" refers to the process by which these particular bees originated. Africanized Bees, also known as killer bees, are a hybrid species resulting from interbreeding of European honeybees (Apis mellifera) and African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata).
The term "Africanized Bee" was coined in the 1950s by scientists and beekeepers to describe this hybrid bee population. The African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) were first brought to Brazil in the 1950s with the intention of breeding them with European honeybees to improve honey production, as they were known to be more productive in certain climates. However, some of these African honeybees managed to escape and interbreed with European honeybees in the wild.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
