APIS MELLIFERA

Honey bees were introduced to Australia by early settlers for a good supply of honey, but naturally a few escaped. Now they are found throughout Australia. Their size is about 1.3mm-1.6 mm and have very distinct yellow and black markings.

The honey bee defends its nests very aggressively and if you are stung, it is fatal to the bee, as the stinger pulls out the bee’s lower abdomen leaving the venom gland pumping in the victim. This is why they are a danger and a pest to humans: the sting cause local pain and swelling. Nests are usually found undercover or in cavities. Increased activity in a specific area or a concentration of bees to one area often means there is a nest nearby.