Arizona's WildLife

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a small, social insect introduced to North America and now widespread across Arizona. Known for their striped bodies and highly organized colonies, honey bees are essential pollinators, visiting flowers to collect nectar and pollen, which supports plant reproduction and ecosystem health. In addition to their ecological role, honey bees produce honey and beeswax, providing resources for humans while sustaining a wide variety of wildlife that depends on pollinated plants. Their activity is vital for maintaining biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and the overall balance of Arizona’s terrestrial ecosystems.