Question

What are important species of honeybees in India?

Hint:

Remember: India has four main honeybee species - Apis cerana (domesticated indigenous), Apis mellifera (domesticated exotic high-yielder), Apis dorsata (wild giant), and Apis florea (wild dwarf). Each has distinct characteristics and importance.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction to honeybees in India.
Honeybees are social insects that produce honey and beeswax, and play a crucial role in pollination of agricultural crops. India is home to several indigenous and exotic species of honeybees.
Step 2: Important species of honeybees found in India.

• Apis cerana indica (Indian hive bee):
  • Indigenous species, found throughout India
  • Medium-sized, gentle and less aggressive
  • Builds multiple combs in dark cavities
  • Can be reared in wooden boxes (movable frame hives)
  • Good honey yield (6-10 kg/colony/year)
  • Excellent pollinator of agricultural crops
  • Resistant to many local pests and diseases
• Apis mellifera (European/Italian honeybee):
  • Exotic species introduced in India (1960s)
  • Larger than Apis cerana, yellow bands on abdomen
  • High honey yield (25-40 kg/colony/year)
  • Less swarming tendency, gentle nature
  • Responds well to management practices
  • Now widely cultivated commercially
  • Requires management against diseases
• Apis dorsata (Rock bee/Giant honeybee):
  • Largest honeybee species in India
  • Builds single large open comb on tall trees, cliffs, buildings
  • Highly aggressive, cannot be domesticated
  • Migratory, moves seasonally
  • Highest honey yield per colony (30-50 kg)
  • Honey collected by tribal communities (honey hunting)
  • Found throughout India
• Apis florea (Little bee/Dwarf honeybee):
  • Smallest honeybee species
  • Builds single small comb on bushes, hedges, buildings
  • Less aggressive, but difficult to domesticate
  • Low honey yield (0.5-1 kg/colony)
  • Found in plains and low hills
  • Important pollinator of wild and cultivated plants

Step 3: Additional species (for reference).

• Trigona iridipennis (Dammer bee/Stingless bee): Smallest, stingless, builds irregular combs, produces medicinal honey
• Apis laboriosa (Himalayan cliff bee): Found in Himalayan region, largest honeybee, builds combs on cliffs