This honey bee is very aggressive in defending its nest. Which type is it?

This honey bee is very aggressive in defending its nest. Which type is it?

• A. Africanized
• B. European
• C. Italian
• D. African

Answer: (D)

Aggressive nest defense is a hallmark trait of African honey bees. Bees native to Africa (Apis mellifera from Africa) are wired to respond rapidly and defend their hive vigorously against threats. European and Italian strains are typically milder in their defense, and while hybrids like Africanized bees can be highly defensive, the description points to the African type as the one most strongly associated with intense nest defense. So the bee described fits the African honey bee characteristic.

Aggressive nest defense is a hallmark trait of African honey bees. Bees native to Africa (Apis mellifera from Africa) are wired to respond rapidly and defend their hive vigorously against threats. European and Italian strains are typically milder in their defense, and while hybrids like Africanized bees can be highly defensive, the description points to the African type as the one most strongly associated with intense nest defense. So the bee described fits the African honey bee characteristic.