Any bee of the genus Apis, which lives in communities and collects honey, esp. the common domesticated hive bee (Apis mellifica), the Italian bee (Apis ligustica), and the Arabiab bee (Apis fasciata). The two latter are by many entomologists considered only varieties of the common hive bee. Each swarm of bees consists of a large number of workers (barren females), with, ordinarily, one queen or fertile female, but in the swarming season several young queens, and a number of males or drones, are produced.

social bee often domesticated for the honey it produces

The common name for Apis mellifera (Honey bearer), a highly social insect, Order Hymenoptera (membranous wings); correctly printed as two words. HONEY COLOR: Measured by a Pfund grader, honey colors are classified between water white to white, to amber to dark amber (7 gradations).