The short answer is no, there is no such thing as a “hummingbird bee.” Hummingbirds and bees are completely different types of animals. However, there are some interesting connections between hummingbirds and certain species of bees.
Hummingbirds vs Bees
Hummingbirds are birds, whereas bees are insects. Hummingbirds belong to the family Trochilidae, while bees belong to the superfamily Apoidea. Here are some key differences between hummingbirds and bees:
| Hummingbirds | Bees |
|---|---|
| Vertebrates (have backbones) | Invertebrates (no backbone) |
| Birds | Insects |
| Nectarivores (eat mainly nectar) | Some species eat nectar |
| Long slender beak for drinking nectar | Hairy body used for collecting pollen |
| Fly and hover using wings | 6 legs, 4 wings |
| Very small, fast heart rate | Open circulatory system |
| Color vision | Some can see UV light |
| Solitary | Often social/live in colonies |
As you can see, hummingbirds and bees have very different anatomies, physiologies, behaviors, and evolutionary histories. There are no species that combine features of both groups.
Connections Between Hummingbirds and Bees
However, there are some interesting ecological connections between hummingbirds and certain species of bees:
- Hummingbirds and bees both feed on nectar from flowers.
- Some bees (e.g. hawk moths) can hover while feeding, similar to hummingbirds.
- Bees play a key role in pollinating many of the flowers that hummingbirds feed from.
- Some bee species have evolved to mimic hummingbirds, like the hummingbird hawk-moth.
- Bees sometimes attempt to steal nectar from flowers that hummingbirds are feeding from, and vice versa.
- Hummingbirds and bees can remember which flowers they have previously visited when foraging.
- Their feeding habits coevolved with specialized flower shapes and colors.
So while a “hummingbird bee” does not actually exist, the ecological relationship between hummingbirds and nectar-feeding bees is an important one. The coevolution of these species has shaped the characteristics of many flowers.
Mimicry Between Hummingbird and Bees
One of the most fascinating connections between hummingbirds and bees is mimicry. There are certain bee species that have evolved to look very similar to hummingbirds.
A prime example is the hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum). This moth has blurry, bee-like markings on its body, but when it feeds it looks remarkably similar to a tiny hummingbird. The rapid wing movements, hovering capability, and long proboscis allow it to steal nectar before pollinators like bees or hummingbirds arrive.
By mimicking hummingbirds, these moths can frighten away competing pollinators at flowers. They gain better access to nectar without expending energy in combat. This evolutionary adaptation benefits the moths but not the plants or competing pollinators.
Other Examples of Mimicry
There are also some bee species that have evolved patterns or behaviors to mimic hummingbirds:
- Bumblebees – Some species have yellow and black markings that resemble hummingbird feathers.
- Digger bees – May visit hummingbird-pollinated flowers and move wings rapidly like hummingbirds.
- Carpenter bees – Large, dark-colored bees that can mimic hummingbird sounds.
These forms of mimicry allow the bees to fly under the radar of hummingbirds and steal nectar. Again, this benefits the bees but not the other pollinators or plants.
Coevolution of Flowers and Pollinators
The evolutionary relationships between hummingbirds, bees, and flowering plants are fascinating examples of coevolution. The characteristics of each species have developed in tandem over long periods of time.
Many flowers have adapted their shapes, colors, orientations, rewards, and blooming times to attract effective pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. In response, these pollinators have evolved specialized tools like beaks or body hair to gain access to nectar and pollen.
Some key examples of flower adaptations to these pollinators include:
- Tubular red flowers adapted to the long beaks and color vision of hummingbirds.
- Landing pads suited to the hovering behavior of hummingbirds.
- Patterns like stripes, dots, and bullseyes that serve as guides to nectar.
- Sticky pollen that attaches to hummingbird heads or bee hair.
- No perch required since hummingbirds and bees can both hover.
The end result is a remarkable synergy between plants and their pollinators. Each species depends on the others for survival and reproduction. While a literal “hummingbird bee” does not exist, their ecological connection highlights how intricately nature has engineered relationships between species over time.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no such thing as a real “hummingbird bee” hybrid species. Hummingbirds and bees have distinct evolutionary histories and biological characteristics. However, there are fascinating ecological links between hummingbirds and certain nectar-feeding bees. The similarities in feeding behaviors, mimicry adaptations, and coevolved flower traits demonstrate the deep interdependent relationship between these pollinators. So next time you see a hummingbird or bee visiting a flower, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable synergy that has developed between plants and their pollinators over millennia.
