Differences Between European and African Honey Bees

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and C. M. Zettel Nalen

Release Date: 2/6/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-in784-2009

Agriculture

Abstract

ENY147 describes key differences between the aggressive African bee and the docile European honey bee, including hive defense and stinging, swarming and absconding, and selection of nesting site. Includes additional resources.

About this Publication

This document is ENY-147, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2009. Revised October 2013, August 2015, December 2016, and April 2019. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

M. K. O'Malley, former Extension assistant; J. D. Ellis, associate professor; and C. M. Zettel Nalen, former Extension assistant, Department of Entomology and Nematology; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

O’Malley, M. K., Ellis, J. D., & Zettel Nalen, C. M. (2009). Differences Between European and African Honey Bees. EDIS, 2009(10). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in784-2009