Melittology (from Greek , melitta, "bee"; and -logia) 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. Managed bees, like honeybees and some bumblebees, account for a small percentage of all bee species.
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.