Bees are vital pollinators, facilitating the transfer of pollen essential for plant fertilization, seed production, and maintaining biodiversity. This process significantly contributes to the world’s food supply. Despite their ecological importance, bees are part of the natural food web and serve as a food source for numerous predators across the animal kingdom, highlighting nature’s intricate balance.
Insects That Prey on Bees
Many insect species prey on bees, often using specialized hunting techniques. Hornets, such as the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) and the European hornet (Vespa crabro), are formidable threats. The Asian giant hornet actively “hawks” outside honey bee colonies, capturing foraging bees. These hornets may decapitate bees, remove their limbs and wings, and process the bodies into a ball to transport back to their nests for feeding their larvae.
Yellowjackets (Vespula species) target bees near hives or foraging sites. They are aggressive, often overwhelming individual bees. Robber flies from the Asilidae family are agile aerial predators that ambush bees in flight. They use strong legs to grasp prey and inject venom to paralyze the bee before consuming its internal fluids.
Praying mantises (Mantodea order) are ambush predators that patiently wait on flowers or foliage for unsuspecting bees. Once a bee comes within striking distance, the mantis uses its spiny forelegs to quickly seize and hold its prey. Dragonflies, belonging to the Anisoptera suborder, are swift fliers that catch bees mid-air. They patrol open areas, using excellent vision to spot and intercept bees during flight.
Birds That Hunt Bees
Birds are significant predators of bees, with some species specializing in consuming them. Bee-eaters (Meropidae family), found across Africa, Asia, southern Europe, and Australia, primarily eat bees and wasps. They catch bees in flight from an open perch, then beat larger prey to kill it and rub it against a branch to remove the stinger before consumption.
Shrikes (Laniidae family), also known as “butcher birds,” are predatory passerines that impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire. While their diet is diverse, some shrike species opportunistically hunt bees, particularly when other insect prey are scarce. Certain woodpeckers (Picidae family), such as flickers, may consume bees by accessing their nests. These birds use strong beaks to excavate into wood or ground to reach bee larvae and adult bees within the colony.
Mammals That Consume Bees
Several mammals consume bees, often targeting nests for larvae and honey. Bears, including black bears (Ursus americanus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos), are well-documented for raiding beehives. While attracted to honey, the protein-rich bee larvae and pupae are a primary draw. Bears use their strength to break open hives, causing considerable damage to access the contents.
Badgers (Meles meles and other Mustelidae species) are powerful diggers that locate bee nests, particularly those underground, using their keen sense of smell. They excavate these nests to feed on the larvae, pupae, and adult bees. Skunks (Mephitidae family) are opportunistic omnivores that frequently target bee colonies. They often scratch at the hive entrance at night, prompting guard bees to emerge, which the skunks then consume. Their thick fur provides some protection against stings, allowing them to eat bees and their protein-rich larvae.
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) interact with bee hives, primarily seeking honey and brood. While they may consume adult bees, their main interest lies in the sweeter components and larvae. Raccoons use their dexterous paws to pry open hive lids and remove frames, demonstrating a skillful approach to accessing the hive’s resources.
Other Animals That Eat Bees
Beyond insects, birds, and mammals, other animal groups also prey on bees. Various arachnids, particularly spiders, are common predators. Crab spiders (Thomisidae family) ambush bees from camouflaged positions on flowers, seizing them with paralyzing venom. Orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae family) trap bees in their intricate webs, while jumping spiders (Salticidae family) actively stalk and pounce on their prey using excellent eyesight.
Amphibians like frogs (Anura order) and toads (Bufonidae family) are opportunistic feeders that consume any small, moving insect that fits into their mouths. Bees flying or crawling within their striking range can become a meal, caught with their long, sticky tongues. While they can be stung, frogs generally tolerate bee stings without significant harm.
Certain reptiles, such as lizards (Squamata order), prey on bees. Lizards, including skinks, are fast-moving insectivores that opportunistically snatch bees. They use their eyesight to locate prey near flowering plants where bees forage.