Abstract from "Xenobiotic detoxification pathways in honey bees" by  
May Berenbaum and Reed Johnson:

Relative to most other insect genomes, the western honey bee Apis  
mellifera has a deficit of detoxification genes spanning Phase I  
(functionalization), II (conjugation) and III (excretion) gene  
families. Although honeybees do not display across-the-board greater  
sensitivity to pesticides, this deficit may render them vulnerable to  
synergistic interactions among xenobiotics. Diet quality, in terms of  
protein and phytochemical content, has a pronounced influence on  
tolerance of toxic compounds. Detoxification gene inventory reduction  
may reflect an evolutionary history of consuming relatively chemically  
benign nectar and pollen, as other apoid pollinators display  
comparable levels of cytochrome P450 gene reduction. Enzymatic  
detoxification in the eusocial A. mellifera may be complemented by  
behaviors comprising a ‘social detoxification system,’ including  
forager discrimination, dilution by pollen mixing, and colony food  
processing via microbial fermentation, that reduces the number or  
quantity of ingested chemicals requiring detoxification.
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