Because they are easily cultured, economically important, and endlessly fascinating, honey bees are the most well-known and well-researched insects in the world. They interest beekeeper and scientist alike, and although the aims of the two groups differ, their respective activities complement each other. We can thank practical-minded beekeepers for inventing beekeeping equipment, working out basic beekeeping techniques, accumulating untold hours of natural observations, and identifying applied research needs. And we can thank generations of scientists who have pieced together bee biology, disease etiologies and treatments, parasitology, genetics and breeding. Clearly, the relationship between beekeepers and bee scientists is mutually beneficial.