An entomologist presents a beautifully illustrated study of bees, from their behavior to social structures, colonies, and relationship to the environment. In this engaging and scholarly volume, entomologist Gilbert Nixon shares his lifelong fascination with bees. Nixon's childhood love of these curious insects led to decades of study as he learned to identify their distinctive markings and pursued the secrets of their mystifying behaviors. The World of Bees offers a comprehensive introduction to various species of bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, and leafcutter bees, as well as information on related insects such as botflies and wasps. With color illustrations by Arthur Smith, this expert volume covers all major topics in melittology, including mating habits, life cycles, pollination, bee dances, and more.