Question

Why are bees black and white?

Answer 1

Bees are not always black and white. Different species of bees can have different colors and patterns, including shades of yellow, brown, black, and white.

One reason that bees may have evolved to be black and white is for camouflage. Bees are preyed upon by birds and other predators, and their black and white stripes can help them blend in with the background of flowers and plants, making them less visible to predators.

Another reason is that the stripes may serve as a warning to predators that the bee is dangerous or venomous. This is known as aposematism, and it is a common strategy used by many animals to deter predators.

Finally, the stripes may also help bees identify each other and communicate within the hive. The patterns of stripes on a bee can be unique, like a fingerprint, and can help bees recognize each other and distinguish between members of their own hive and other colonies.

Answer 2

Answer and Explanation:

Black and white coloring is atypical in the world of bees, which are mostly known for being black and yellow. However, black and white color combinations make bees stand out and even look similar between the species. Most black and white bees are dominantly-black, with some only having white hairs on the thorax or the abdomen. These species are usually solitary bees that don’t produce honey and live outside of colonies. Bees are incredibly important insects, responsible for pollinating about 70 percent of the world’s crops.