Apis mellifera, commonly known as the Western honey bee, is a species of bee that is widely recognized for its role in pollination and honey production. These bees are social insects that live in colonies, which can consist of thousands of individuals. Each colony has a queen, worker bees, and drones, each with specific roles that contribute to the hive's survival. Honey bees are essential for the ecosystem as they pollinate many crops and wild plants, helping to maintain biodiversity. They communicate through a unique dance known as the "waggle dance," which informs other bees about the location of food sources. Their ability to produce honey and beeswax also makes them valuable to humans.