Apidae
Apinae - Honeybees
Bombinae - Bumblebees
Euglossinae - Orchid bees
Meliponinae - Stingless bees
Nomadinae
Xylocopinae - Carpenter bees
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The
Apidae are a large family of
bees, comprising the common
honeybees, stingless bees (which are also cultured for honey),
carpenter bees, and
bumblebees. Honeybees and bumblebees are colonial, though they are believed to have developed this independently, and show notable differences in such things as communication between workers. Carpenter bees are solitary, though they tend to be gregarious.