The African honey bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera scutellata, is a subspecies of the western honey bee. Native to Africa, these bees are known for their adaptability to various environments and their ability to produce honey. They are smaller than some other honey bee species and have a distinctive dark coloration. These bees are often recognized for their aggressive behavior when defending their hives. This trait has led to their hybridization with other bee species, resulting in the creation of the Africanized honey bee, which is known for its heightened defensiveness. Despite their temperament, African honey bees play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining ecosystems.