Rufous colored with black bands and orange-yellow rings on the underside, honey bees have hair (Scopa) on their second and third body segments, with more hair on their thorax than the abdomen. Their legs are brownish-black with pollen baskets on their hind legs. Sterile females, called workers, are the smallest of their species, while fertile females, called queens, are the largest, ranging from .7 to .8 inches. Males are mid-sized and referred to as drones.  

Honey bees forage during daylight hours, but are equally active on cloudy or sunny days. They will not fly in heavy rain or high winds, or if the temperature is too extreme (workers cannot fly when it gets below 10°C). During warm, calm weather, honey bees collect the most pollen, even if it is cloudy. If the light intensity changes rapidly, they immediately stop working and return to the hive. In light rain, pollen collection stops because moisture inhibits the bees' collection capabilities. However, nectar collection is not inhibited by light rain. Wind also affects the rate of pollen collection.

Honey bee workers are opportunistic. They will steal from other hives if they can. Hive-robbing can be dangerous, but a weakened or damaged hive may be raided by workers from different hives, especially when nectar flows in flowers are not abundant. Honey bees will also collect "honeydew," the sweet fluid excreted by sap-feeding insects like aphids.

The honey bee hives at Brookfield Zoo Chicago are designed to provide an educational experience about the critical role of pollinators. While precautions are taken to ensure the safety of our guests, individuals with bee allergies should use caution and are encouraged to carry any necessary allergy medications. The hives are located near the Zoo’s First Aid Office, and the Zoo has highly trained first aid staff to respond promptly in the unlikely event of a bee sting.