Killer Bee (Honey Bee + African Bee)
The Killer Bee, also known as the Africanized Honey Bee or simply the African Bee, is a hybrid resulting from the interbreeding of European honey bees with African honey bees. These hybrids possess a combination of traits that make them highly adaptable and efficient, but also more aggressive and defensive than their European counterparts.
Africanized honey bees earned their “killer” nickname due to their aggressive behavior when defending their hives. They are known to respond quickly and in large numbers to perceived threats, stinging intruders relentlessly. Despite their reputation, these bees are crucial pollinators and contribute to agriculture. While their aggression can be problematic, they have also adapted well to various environments and are an example of how hybridization can lead to complex and sometimes challenging outcomes in the natural world.