Bee, Wasp, Drone Fly (Teacher Support)

Introduction

Honey bees, wasps (German and common species) and drone flies are superficially similar when you see them actively moving around flowers or buzzing against a window. To most people they are to be feared to some extent because two of them sting (honey bees and wasps). Due to their similar look, people are also cautious of drone flies, yet they are harmless, beneficial flies.

Relates to: student's Bee, Wasp, Drone Fly Activity

Nature of Science

Aspects that could be foregrounded include: making quality observations that are detailed and specific; using technical and scientific terms; using instruments (magnifying glasses) to make observations; and, communicating ideas.

Answers to student's Bee, wasp, drone fly Activity sheet

How are the different?

1. Example differences include: Abdomen and thorax patterns (dots and lines) and colours are distinct on drone fly and wasp, not on honey bee. Wasp is yellow and black, drone fly is orange and black and honey bee is orange with light stripes. Honey bee is hairier than the others. Eyes of drone fly are so huge that they touch near the middle of the head. Wasp has black eyes, while the others are more brown. Legs of the wasp and drone fly are thin, but the honey bee's are thick and the hind legs are very broad. The wasp's legs are very long. Drone fly has one pair of wings, the others have two. Antennae (feelers) of drone fly are tiny, those of the honey bee are longer with a bend, while the wasp's are very long. Honey bees have large hooks on their feet.
2. Viewing the dead insects under magnification will reveal many other differences, e.g. the wasp has distinct jaws, the honey bee has a long narrow tongue (proboscis), while the drone fly has a pad on the end of its proboscis. Sometimes stingers can be seen on dead honey bees and wasps. Also, the number of wings can be counted.
3. Pictures from top to bottom: drone fly, wasp, honey bee.

How are they similar?

1. Things in common seen from pictures include: three main body parts (head, thorax and abdomen); all have six legs and two antennae; they are similar sizes; they all fly, they are all at least somewhat hairy. Seen from live insects: they can all fly; they all hang around plants (wasps tending to collect honey dew more often); they all make a buzzing sound; they are all somewhat colourful and stripy.

Questions

1. They all have three main body sections (head, thorax, abdomen) and six legs.
   
2. Their combination of body structures, colours, patterns and behaviours are all similar, at least at a fleeting glance.
3. Key features seen at a glance: honey bees are orange without strong colour patterns. Drone flies have huge eyes and two wings that are broad and sit flat. Wasps have a distinct yellow and black striped colouration.
4. By their distinct, bright colours and patterns.
5. The drone fly doesn't sting. It tricks us by being similarly coloured to other insects that do sting.

Going further

• Honey bees are important for flower pollination and the products they produce (honey, pollen, wax, propolis).
• Drone flies are important pollinators.
• Wasps are introduced pests that compete for the food of native birds and insects, as well as honey bees (which are introduced). They kill native caterpillars and other insects. They are also aggressive stingers and a problem in our homes when they seek sweet foods.