Melittology (fromGreekμέλιττα,melitta, "bee"; and-λογία-logia) is a branch ofentomology concerning the scientific study ofbees. It can also be calledapiology or apicology. Melittology covers the species found in thecladeAnthophila within the superfamilyApoidea, comprising more than 20,000 species,[1] includingbumblebees andhoney bees.
Melittologists and apiologists are served by a number ofscientific societies, both national and international in scope. Their main role is to encourage the study of bees and apicultural research.
