Bees, known for their diligent pollination and honey production, play a significant role in natural ecosystems. They contribute to the reproduction of flowering plants and are an important component of the food web, impacting a large percentage of the world’s food crops. Despite their defensive sting, bees are not immune to predation and serve as a food source for a diverse array of animals.
Insect and Arachnid Predators
A variety of insects and arachnids prey on bees, employing diverse hunting tactics. Crab spiders are ambush predators that camouflage themselves within flowers, waiting for a bee to land before swiftly grabbing it and injecting paralyzing venom. Orb-weaver spiders construct intricate webs to trap flying insects, including bees, and then use venom to immobilize their caught prey.
Robber flies are aerial predators. They snatch bees mid-flight, securing them with spiny legs, then inject digestive enzymes to consume the bee’s liquefied insides. Praying mantises are ambush predators, camouflaged in vegetation, using their powerful, spiked forelegs to seize and consume bees.
Assassin bugs stalk or ambush bees. They pierce the bee with their proboscis, injecting venom that paralyzes and liquefies internal tissues. Predatory wasps, including beewolves, specialize in hunting bees, paralyzing them to feed their larvae. Larger wasps like hornets hunt bees and may raid hives for larvae and honey. Dragonflies also prey on bees, catching them in flight.
Avian Predators
Numerous bird species prey on bees, from opportunistic feeders to specialized hunters. Bee-eaters are prominent avian predators, with some species’ diets comprising up to 70% bees and wasps. They use their keen eyesight to spot bees from over 300 feet away, catching them mid-flight. To neutralize the sting, bee-eaters return to a perch, repeatedly striking the bee against a hard surface and rubbing it to remove the stinger and venom.
Honey buzzards primarily consume the larvae and pupae from bee and wasp nests, often excavating underground. Their dense, scale-like head feathers offer protection against stings. Woodpeckers also target bee larvae, drilling into hives for food. Shrikes impale captured bees on thorns or barbed wire, securing them for consumption or storage. Other birds like flycatchers and kingbirds opportunistically prey on bees, though these insects are a smaller part of their diet.
Mammalian Predators
Several mammals consume bees, often targeting their nests or hives for their nutritious contents. Bears raid beehives, seeking primarily protein-rich bee larvae and pupae rather than just honey. Their thick fur and skin offer considerable protection against stings, though their faces and ears remain vulnerable. Bears frequently destroy hives to access the brood.
Badgers, including the honey badger, also prey on bee larvae and honey. The honey badger’s exceptionally thick, loose skin and high pain tolerance enable it to withstand numerous stings while tearing into nests. Skunks are nocturnal predators, scratching at hive entrances to lure out bees, which they then consume, sometimes rolling them to remove stingers.
Raccoons, with their dexterous paws, can open hives for honey and bees. Shrews, small mammals with high metabolisms, prey on individual bees, often consuming their internal contents after removing the head or piercing the thorax.
Amphibian and Reptile Predators
Amphibians and reptiles also contribute to the range of bee predators, primarily as opportunistic feeders. Frogs and toads commonly consume bees, especially those foraging near the ground or hive entrances. They employ a sit-and-wait ambush strategy, using their long, sticky tongues to capture bees that come within striking distance. While frogs and toads can be stung, their rapid swallowing often prevents this, and they tolerate the venom without lasting harm. Cane toads, an invasive species, are known for gathering around beehives at night to feast on emerging bees.
Lizards, including species like skinks, anoles, and geckos, also prey on bees. These reptiles often position themselves near flowers or hive entrances, snatching foraging bees. Their quick movements and agility help them capture bees and avoid stings. While bees are not a primary food source for most lizards, they are consumed opportunistically for their protein content. Some snakes may also consume insects, including bee larvae if they access a nest, but they are not considered significant bee predators.