Bees with Goatees

Bees display sexual dimorphism, which means that males and females of the same species (kinds) look different. It’s similar to birds. Male birds are usually more colorful than females, so you can tell which is the male and which is the female. In bees it’s the same, except only those with good eyes can tell the difference. So how are they different…well, male bees are usually smaller than the females. This can be subtle though. Another example is the length of the the antennae. Males have larger antennae than females. Another example is facial hair. Males may have a beard. It’s true. A bee beard. Take a look for yourself. This bearded bee was flying around goodbears creosote bush. See the bee beard for yourself…

Male bee with a beard

If you still aren’t buying it. Here is another male…with a beard.

Is that the cutest bee or what. If I can get good photos of the antennae of male bees I will post them up. But for now, if you see a bearded bee, you know it’s a male. And since it is a male you know it cannot sting. Not every male has a beard, but when you see it, you will know…it’s a male bee.

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