How Are a Bumble Bee & a Honey Bee Different?

Appearance

• European honey bees are about three-quarters of an inch long and are light brown with dark stripes, according to Columbia University. The Do-It-Yourself Pest Control website indicates that bumble bees are about an inch long and are black with yellow markings.

Winter Behavior

• The British Beekeepers' Association explains that honey bees do not hibernate, but produce honey year round. All bumble bees, except the queen, die during the winter months.

Hives

• Bumble bees make their nests underground, and live in small colonies of a few hundred bees, according to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Honey bees create large hives that can house thousands of bees.

Honey Production

• The British Beekeeper's Association indicates that honey bees are voluminous honey producers that create about 60 lbs. of honey each season. The bumble bee only makes about a tablespoon of honey at a time.

Bee Stings

• According to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, each honey bee is only capable of one sting because it leaves the stinger behind in the victim. Female bumble bees can sting multiple times.