About Apis Dorsata Bee
Apis dorsata, commonly known as the giant honey bee, is a wild honey bee species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is known for its large size and for building massive, exposed honeycombs in open spaces.
Characteristics:
- Size: One of the largest honey bee species, measuring around 17–20 mm in length.
- Color: Dark brown to black with golden or light brown hair.
- Nesting behavior: Builds single, large, open combs hanging from tall trees, cliffs, or buildings—often in colonies grouped close together.
- Aggressiveness: More defensive and aggressive than Apis mellifera, making domestication difficult.
Social Structure:
- Like other honey bees, it has a caste system:
- Queen: Lays eggs and leads the colony.
- Drones: Male bees that mate with the queen.
- Workers: Females that collect nectar, guard the nest, and care for the young.
Distribution:
- Found across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Importance:
- Wild honey production: Harvested by honey hunters; the honey is valued for its taste and medicinal properties.
- Pollination: Plays an important role in pollinating wild and cultivated plants.
- Cultural significance: In some indigenous communities (e.g. in Indonesia and Nepal), honey hunting is a traditional practice.
Interesting Fact:
Apis dorsata exhibits a defense behavior called "shimmering"—thousands of bees wave their abdomens in unison to deter predators like hornets and birds.
