Pronunciation: [ɐpˈɪdiː] (IPA) 
The word "apidae" is pronounced /əˈpɪdi/. This word refers to a family of bees that includes honeybees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. The spelling of "apidae" comes from the Latin word "apis" which means bee. The "idae" suffix indicates that it is a family name in the taxonomic classification system. When pronouncing "apidae" remember to stress the second syllable to avoid confusion with the similar sounding word "adept" (/ˈædɛpt/).
Apidae is a noun that refers to a large family of insects commonly known as bees, which are characterized by their branched body hairs and hairy eyes. This family belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes wasps and ants. Apidae comprises more than 5,000 species worldwide, making it one of the most diverse families within the insect world.
Bees from the family Apidae play a crucial role in the pollination of flowering plants, including agricultural crops and wild plants. They are known for their complex social structure, organized into colonies that typically include a queen, male drones, and numerous worker bees.
The most well-known and economically important species within Apidae is the honeybee (genus Apis), known for its production of honey and beeswax. The honeybee also serves as a vital pollinator for many fruits, vegetables, and other crops, making it an essential part of global food production.
Apart from honeybees, the Apidae family includes other notable bee species such as bumblebees and carpenter bees. Bumblebees are known for their larger size and dense hair, while carpenter bees possess robust and powerful mouthparts used for drilling and nesting in wood.
Given their significant ecological and economic importance, the study and conservation of Apidae species is essential in preserving biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems.
The word "Apidae" has its etymology rooted in Latin, specifically derived from the Latin word "apis", which means "bee". The suffix "-idae" in taxonomy denotes a family classification, so "Apidae" is the family name for the group of bees.
