Bees are incredibly fascinating creatures with a long history. Honeybees, specifically, were not native to the Americas. They were brought to North America by European settlers in the early 17th century. The first recorded introduction of honeybees to North America was in 1622, when European colonists brought them to the Virginia Colony. These bees were essential for pollinating crops and producing honey, making them highly valuable to settlers looking to establish sustainable agriculture in the New World. Native bee species, of course, existed long before this introduction, playing crucial ecological roles in their respective environments.

Honeybees (Apis mellifera)
– Not native, introduced by European settlers.
– Known for honey production and complex social structures.