The Africanized bee, also known as the Africanized honey bee or colloquially as the "killer bee," is a hybrid of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). This hybrid was created by crossbreeding the East African lowland honey bee (A. m. scutellata) with various European honey bee subspecies, such as the Italian honey bee (A. m. ligustica). Originally introduced to Brazil in 1956 to improve honey production in tropical climates, 26 swarms escaped quarantine in 1957, leading to the hybrid's spread throughout South and Central America, and eventually into North America by the 1980s.
Africanized bees are known for their highly defensive behavior, reacting more aggressively to disturbances compared to European honey bees. They are quicker to swarm and will pursue perceived threats over longer distances, sometimes up to 400 meters (1,300 feet). While their venom is no more potent than that of European honey bees, their tendency to sting in large numbers makes them more dangerous. Since their introduction, Africanized bees have been responsible for numerous human fatalities and have also attacked animals.
Despite their aggressive reputation, Africanized bees play a role in agriculture and ecosystems, similar to other honey bee species. They are effective pollinators and produce honey, though their management requires caution due to their defensive nature. Over time, they have adapted to various environments, but their spread is limited by their inability to survive in colder climates.
