ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the biology, behavior, and ecological role of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) are briefly presented. The high degree of social organization of these insects is described. Their pollinating activity, allowing the production of crops and wild plants and the conservation of the biodiversity, is discussed. Finally, the usefulness of the honey bee for detecting xenobiotics in the environment and assessing the adverse effects of agrochemicals and other man-made chemicals is introduced.
