May 4, 2025

We are a bunch of Western Honeybees

Our hives are usually not this exposed

It appears that maybe part of the tree fell off

But it's cool to see the honeycomb rows.

Location: Possum Long Nature Center, Stuart, FL

Sources: https://www.buddhabeeapiary.com/blog/honey-bee-wax-comb

https://canr.udel.edu/maarec/honey-bee-biology/the-colony-and-its-organization/

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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June 21, 2023

We are all Western Honey Bees

It might look like we have yellow hind legs

That is where we store pollen for transport

It's easier than carrying kegs.

Location: Jones Pier Conservation Area, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Apis_mellifera/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 6, 2023

This plant is Jamaican Caper

It is native and propagated from seeds

It attracts pollinators such as Florida White butterflies

And striped-butted Western Honey bees.

Location: Private residence, Vero

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/quadrella-jamaicensis

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 30, 2023

We are known from left to right: Southern Carpenter Bee

Western Honeybee and Brown-winged Striped Sweat Bee,

One thing we all have in common - 

We are all Bristle Thistle devotees!

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/five-facts-bees-in-florida/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 23, 2022

I am a Western Honey Bee

I carry pollen in pollen pellets

When I fly, they add 30% to my weight

And attractiveness quotient to nectar zealots.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.science.org/content/article/honey-bees-fill-saddlebags-pollen-here-s-how-they-keep-them-gripped-tight

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 11, 2022

We are female Western Honey Bees,

Age-related polyethism's the way that we work

That a fancy way to say

Our job's determined by age

But we always work, unlike drones, lazy jerks!

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1005

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 16, 2021

This is a Western Honey Bee

Sitting on a Fourvalve Mimosa

In addition to bees, 

Butterflies will seize

Pollen from the plant like Hector Barbossa.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/mimosa-strigillosa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector_Barbossa

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 3, 2021

I'm a Western Honey Bee

Shown here with a few of my closest friends

From right to left, there's Rubee and Tobee, 

Then Abbee and... oh my this list might never end...

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/BEES/euro_honey_bee.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 27, 2020

Location: Indian River Drive, Sebastian

I am a Western Honey Bee
In Florida,  I pollinate 3/4 of all crops
I contribute millions to the US economy
And to almost all foods for which you shop.

Sources: UF | IFAS BugWeek@UF Incredibugs - Honey Bee

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 5, 2020

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee

We are Western Honey Bees,
If our eggs weren't fertilized, we are drones
If our eggs were fertilized, we are girls,
And if we eat royal jelly, we are queens without thrones.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - European Honey Bee

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 24, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

We are Western Honey Bees
Living in the Sweetgum Tree
Although we are not native to Florida
We're welcome cause people like honey.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures European Honey Bee

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson