Bees Of The World

Publisher description

Get a little seen, up close look at these fuzzy, hard-working pollinators. There's plenty to learn about these little pollinators and their world.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the incredible variety of bees from around the world When many people think of bees, they are likely to picture the western domesticated honey bee, insects that live in large, socially complex societies inside a hive with a single queen and thousands of workers. But this familiar bee is just one of more than 20,000 species of bees—and almost none of the others is anything like it. In Bees of the World, Laurence Packer, one of the world’s foremost experts on wild bees, celebrates the amazing diversity of bees—from size and appearance to nests and social organization. Providing clear, accurate accounts of the seven bee families, Bees of the World presents all the key information on generic characteristics, habits, and habitat, illustrated with incredible and often rare photographs that show bees in their natural habitats—foraging, nesting, raising their young, and more. The book reveals the secrets of these extraordinary insects as well as their importance in the global ecosystem and the ways humans can help protect them. Provides a richly illustrated exploration of bees from around the world Examines more than 100 genera of bees, giving a taste of the remarkable breadth of bee appearance and biology Explores bee anatomy, behavior, classification, evolution, life cycle, and habitats

Dive deep into the world of this everyday insect -- and the science behind its uncertain future. Bumble bees are as familiar to most of us as the flowers these fuzzy insects feed upon. But did you know that the bees in your garden could be escapees from a local greenhouse, or descended from stowaways on a Viking ship?Bumble bees are a vital part of our lives and Earth's ecosystems, so much so that we've commercialized their breeding and shipped them across states, countries, and ecosystems for our benefit. However, all of that human interference has consequences. Bumble bees are pushing out native species and altering ecosystems worldwide. Pesticide use has led to the spread of disease in local colonies. And some species may be disappearing entirely.The Beekeepers is an expertly researched overview of bumble bees -- from hive hierarchies to how their brains work -- and the passionate humans and scientists who are fighting for their survival. With a thoughtful and accessible voice, researcher Dana Church introduces readers to the fascinating world of bumble bees, how and why some are thriving while others are floundering, and how both experts and regular citizens are working to ensure their future. Equal parts endearing, frustrating, and hopeful, this scientific narrative is essential for readers looking to understand and make an impact on our changing world.

Listen to tiny tales from Buzzwing the hardworking honeybee. Combining nonfiction with a splash of fantasy, The Secret Life of Bees is a book to get lost in, time and again.

"It is a masterpiece, an instant classic of entomology." -- Edward O. Wilson "This definitive reference by an acclaimed expert accounts for 1200 genera/subgenera and 16,000 species of bees in the world... Useful guide for entomologists, biologists, botanists, ecologists, and students." -- Southeastern Naturalist

Bees have always been friends to man, even way back in prehistoric times. They feed on nectar and pollen and transform them into honey, a delicious substance that besides being a tasty food, it's a key ingredient for many beauty products, and a synonym for pleasant and nourishing pampering. But the importance of bees goes far beyond this. These special insects play a role of primary importance in the pollination of flowers and plants, which are at the base of the food chain of a great many animals. This book gives you the chance to get to know them from up close, and to explore their fascinatingly complex society, showing you how everything is perfectly organized, from the cleanliness of the hive to its defence, from gathering nectar to caring for the larvae. The book pays special attention to the dangers these hard-working insects currently face due to pollution and harmful human behaviour that risk interfering heavily with the life of a species that ought to be defended at all costs! AGES: 6 plus AUTHOR: Cristina Banfi Graduate in Natural Sciences at the Universita degli Studi di Milano, she has taught in a number of scholastic institutes. She is a founding member of the Museum Didactic Association (ADM) and ADMaiora, working in the field of education in museums and exhibitions. For over 20 years she has worked in scientific communication and learning through play and boasts a vast editorial experience in both education and popularisation, in particular for children and young adults.

An investigation into the mysterious case of the vanishing honeybee.