Difference Between Bees and Wasps
Bees are fuzzy, rounder, and primarily vegetarian (feeding on nectar and pollen). Wasps are smooth, slender, and often predatory or scavenging. Bees die after stinging once; most wasps can sting repeatedly. Both are beneficial, but their behaviors and appearance differ significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Appearance is the easiest way to tell them apart.
- Hornets are large wasps; yellowjackets are also wasps despite 'bee-like' appearance.
- Some flies mimic bees for protection; true bees have four wings, flies have two.
Explanation
Appearance is the easiest way to tell them apart. Bees are hairy/fuzzy with robust bodies, designed to collect pollen. Wasps are smooth and shiny with narrow 'waists' connecting thorax and abdomen. Color is less reliable, as both can be yellow and black.
Behavior differs significantly. Bees are typically docile and focused on flowers. Wasps are more aggressive, especially around food, and are often seen at picnics and garbage. Wasps hunt other insects, making them beneficial pest controllers despite their annoying habits.
Stinging mechanics differ too. Honeybees have barbed stingers that remain in skin, killing the bee. Most wasps have smooth stingers allowing multiple stings. Both sting only defensively, though wasps have a lower threshold for perceiving threats.
Things to Know
- Hornets are large wasps; yellowjackets are also wasps despite 'bee-like' appearance.
- Some flies mimic bees for protection; true bees have four wings, flies have two.
- Carpenter bees look like bumblebees but have shiny, hairless abdomens.