Bees live all over the world, except in Antarctica, on certain ocean islands, and at extremely high altitudes.
Bee species include far more than the velvety bumblebee and the honeybee so familiar to inhabitants of North America. The thousands of bee species come in many colors and shapes and have varied habits. Some are solitary, while others are social insects that live together in colonies. Many bees sting. Their bright colors—often black and yellow stripes—serve as a warning to predators and other animals to keep away. Other bees are stingless. Sometimes what seems to be a bee isn’t a bee at all!