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Differences Between Honey Bees & Killer Bees

African honeybees, also known as killer bees, are an African honeybee subspecies. A beekeeper in Brazil accidentally released them in 1957 and it has gone on to colonize much of the Americas. Hybrids between European bees and African bees, known as Africanized honeybees, also exist. On first glance it is difficult to distinguish African or Africanized bees from ordinary honeybees, as in fact they are honeybees. The most obvious difference is in their behavior, as African bees are rather more liable to sting than the various European subspecies.

Appearance
- There are no differences between African honeybees and other honeybees visible to the naked eye. Under a microscope, there are differences in the structure of the wings. A laboratory can determine whether a dead bee was an African honeybee, an Africanized hybrid or a European honeybee.
Behavior
- Unlike European honeybees, which have been bred partially for placidity, the African bees defend their nest aggressively. They sting when they perceive threats up to 50 feet from the colony, may chase when provoked, are more likely to swarm, and regularly abandon nest sites. Their stings are no more deadly than those of normal honeybees.
Location
- African honeybees are now widespread throughout South and Central America. Their range includes the southern part of the United States and appears to be expanding. They are best suited to hotter climates, where they have an advantage over European honeybees.
Precautions
- Don't approach a nest or swarm of bees, and take care in places where bees might nest, such as garages. If you find a swarm of bees on your property, do not approach it. Instead contact animal services or a pest control company. African honeybees don't hunt people down to sting them but they do react more defensively than your average honeybee. Get a sting kit if you are allergic to bees.

Insects & Science