Melittology
Melittology is a branch of entomology concerning the scientific study of bees. It can also be called apiology or apicology. Melittology covers the species found in the clade Anthophila within the superfamily Apoidea, comprising more than 20,000 species, including bumblebees and honey bees.
Subdivisions
- Apiology – is the scientific study of honey bees. Honey bees are often chosen as a study group to answer questions on the evolution of social systems.
Melittological societies
Melittologists and apiologists are served by a number of scientific societies, both national and international in scope. Their main role is to encourage the study of bees and apicultural research.- International [Bee Research Association]
- National Bee Association of New Zealand
- British [Beekeepers Association]
- German Beekeepers Association
- ''Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations''
Melittological journals
- '
- '
- Journal of Apicultural Research
- ''Journal of Melittology''
Melittologists
- Eva Crane, founded the Bee Research Association which later became the International Bee Research Association.
- Thomas William Cowan, former cofounder and president of the British Beekeepers' Association. Designed the cylindrical honey extractor
- Jeffery Pettis, head of Apimondia