Species of honey bee

There are four common species of honey bee under a single genus Apis (apis =

bee):

1. Apis dorsata (The rock- bee): This is the largest honeybee. Builds single large open comb on high branches of trees and rocks. Produces large quantity of honey, but this bee is difficult to domesticate. This bee is ferocious, stings severely causing fever and sometimes even death.

2. Apis indica (The Indian bee): Medium – sized. Hive consists of several parallel combs in dark places such as cavities of tree trunks, mud walls, earthen posts, etc. This bee is not so ferocious and can be domesticated

3. Apis florea (The little bee): small – sized Builds single small combs in bushes, hedges, etc. Honey yield is poor.

4. Apis mellifera (The European bee): Somewhat like the Indian bee (Apis indica). This has been introduced in many parts of the world including India. It is easily domesticated.