What Does a Killer Bee Look Like?

A casual observer could easily mistake an Africanized Honey Bee, or "killer bee," for the European honey bee. They do have some differences from the European honey bee, however. It's helpful to know how to identify them so you can keep your distance if you see one, as they are sometimes aggressive.

Size

The Africanized "killer bee," a hybrid of the African honey bee and a European honey bee subspecies, is slightly smaller than the European honey bee. Since they each measure about three-quarters of an inch long, it would be difficult to tell them apart by size.

Color

The killer bee is covered in a brownish fuzz and it has black stripes.

Body

The killer bee's abdomen is larger than its thorax, with a stinger at the bottom. Both of these sections are larger than its head.

Wings

The killer bee has four wings, which are clear, attached to its thorax.

Eyes

The killer bee has large eyes that protrude from its head. It can see ultraviolet rays, which allows it to fly in the dark. Its six legs are attached to its thorax as well.

References

• Christina Ojar, "Africanized Honey Bee"
• USDA: "Africanized Honey Bees"

Resources

• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: "African Honey Bee"
• Honey Bee Research and Information at the University of California, Riverside