| DESCRIPTION |
 |
North America Apidae are all social. They include two prominent genera:
Apis (which includes
the European
Honeybee, Apis mellifera) and
Bombus (the
Bumble Bees). Basal veins are relatively straight. The similar Halictidae
have this vein typically curved. In the Apidae the glossa are long. In the
Halictidae the glossa are short. In the Apidae, the hind tibia is expanded
to form a broad, triangular, concave surface on which moist pollen is
transported. In the Halictidae the hind tibia is not expanded, but has well
developed, plumose setae for pollen transport.