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What’s the Difference Between Honey Bees and Wasps?

It is important to note that there are several differences between bees, honey or bumble, and wasps. As the picture from www.nzbees.net depicts, the main differences that are easily identifiable can be attributed to their outer appearance and disposition. Bees are usually classified as gentle, they are determined to create honey and pollinate plants. Wasps, on the other hand, are more interested in food and protecting their nest.

When people think “bee” it is common for them to think of the flying insect that circles garbage cans, family picnics, and caused them to get an itchy painful sore as a child. The insects that do these things are wasps. Bee, in general, usually don’t bother people. They are more concerned with providing pollen to their hive and creating enough honey t,o survive the winter.

The main aesthetic difference between bees and wasps, also shown in the picture, is their outer appearance. Bees are typically described as being “fluffy” or “furry” looking. This is because the hairs on the outside of their body are designed to pick up excess pollen to help transport it to as many plants as possible and then back to their hive. While wasps have what looks like a shiny exoskeleton. They are designed more as an attack insect set up for self-survival and protection of their nest. They also have pronounced stingers ready to attack at a moment’s notice whether provoked or not.

A simple way to think of the difference between these two insects is to consider a honey bee as your family pet only there to help and a wasp as the vicious attack dog your neighbor had as a child.

If you would like to comment on my post or if you have anything to add, I would be happy to facilitate a conversation about this topic to aid in group learning.

  Identifying the difference between bees and wasps.https://www.nzbees.net/forums/topic/7774-identifying-the-difference-between-bees-and-wasps/ (accessed Feb 9, 2018).

EarthRangers.com. Helpful hints to tell the difference between bees and wasps. https://www.nzbees.net/forums/topic/7774-identifying-the-difference-between-bees-and-wasps/.(Accessed February 9, 2018).