Bees, the tireless workers of the insect world, are indispensable to life on earth. Their work in pollination makes them a vital species, impacting our lives and the world in many ways. They pollinate approximately one sixth of the worldwide flowering plant species and about 400 types of agricultural plants. The pollination service provided by bees, along with other pollinators, was estimated to be worth around 20 billion Dollars to agriculture in the US alone.
Without bees, our diets would be vastly different, as a third of everything we eat is dependent on their pollination. Bees are diverse, with approximately 25 thousand species worldwide. The most well-known family include honeybees, carpenter bees, and bumblebees. All these species are expert pollinators. They have specialized adaptations such as stiff hairs and pockets on their legs for efficient collection and transportation of pollen. Apart from pollinating our food crops, bees also produce honey.
In its lifetime a bee will produce only about one twelfth of a teaspoon of this precious liquid. Honey is made by bees regurgitating nectar and passing it back and forth in their mouths before depositing and sealing it in a honeycomb. Bees also contribute to the beauty of our planet by pollinating flowers, enabling floral growth, and creating essential habitats for other animals, insects and birds. Bees are easily amongst earth’s most crucial insects. We owe them our gratitude for their invaluable services, from providing our favorite fruits and vegetables and honey to enhancing our world with beautiful blooms.
