What eats honey bees?

Many species of animals eat honey bees including other insects, amphibians, birds and mammals. Mammals kill more bees than other vertebrates, with bears and honey badgers being some of the most prolific bee killers. Several types of wasps and spiders specialize in hunting bees.

Direct predation is not the only way in which honey bees are threatened. Other species consume their larvae, honey and even the beeswax of their hives. Wax moth larvae, hive beetles and certain types of ants can live and feed within the hive. Some species, such as the greater honeyguide bird and the honey badger actually work together to find and destroy hives.