Hymenoptera: Apidae - True bees, bumblebees and cuckoo bees Apis mellifera Western Honey Bee A domesticated species kept by beekeepers in Great Britain and Ireland and throughout Europe. Feral colonies can sometimes persist in trees for several years There are many different subspecies varying in colour and temperament but Apis mellifera ligustica (Italian Honey Bee) is one of the most common. N.B An increasing number of scientific studies report the negative influences of managed honeybees on wild bees including excessive competion for dwindling resources and disease transmission

Honey Bee, Apis mellifera
Kingston Lacy, Dorset. May 2017