There are more than 20,000 species of bees in the world, but the most commonly known and domesticated are honey bees. Among the various species of honey bees, ten types of honey bees are distinct species that stand out for their unique characteristics and geographical distribution.
List of Honey Bees
Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Apis mellifera the most known honey bee in the world. Beekeepers widely use the Western honey bee, which is the most commonly known species. Although native to Europe, it has been introduced to several other continents such as North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. Apis mellifera, which is highly productive, is capable of producing honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. They are also important pollinators for many crops.
Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana)
The Second honey bee in our list is the Eastern bee. Eastern honey bees are native to southern and southeastern Asia. They are smaller than the Western honey bee, and are known for their aggressive behavior when disturbed. They also produce less honey than the Western honey bee, but are still important pollinators in their native range.
Giant honey bee (Apis dorsata)
Giant honey bees are native to South and Southeast Asia. They are known for their large size, with workers measuring up to 18mm long. They build large nests on tree branches, and can be aggressive when disturbed. Giant honey bees build their nest the same as carpenter bees.They are also important pollinators in their native range.
Dwarf honey bee (Apis florea)
Another famous bee species is the Dwarf honey bee. Dwarf honey bees are the smallest of the honey bee species, with workers measuring only 3-5mm long. They are native to southern and southeastern Asia, and are known for their ability to build small, compact nests in crevices and tree branches. They produce less honey than other species, but are important pollinators for crops like mango and lychee.
Black dwarf honey bee (Apis andreniformis)
Types of Honey bees Black dwarf honey bee is a small, dark-colored bee found in Southeast Asia. They are similar in size to Apis florea, but build nests in the ground rather than in trees. They produce less honey than other species, but are important pollinators for crops like rubber and oil palm.
Koschevnikov’s bee (Apis koschevnikovi)
Koschevnikov’s bee is native to Southeast Asia and is closely related to Apis cerana. They are similar in size and appearance, but are less aggressive than Apis cerana. They are important pollinators for crops like durian and mangosteen.
Apis laboriosa
A Honey Bee which are known for their size. Apis laboriosa, also known as the Himalayan honey bee, is the largest honey bee in the world, with a wingspan of over 3 cm. They are known for their ability to survive in harsh high-altitude environments, such as the Himalayan Mountains. These bees build their hives on rocky cliffs, often at an altitude of over 2,500 meters. Their honey is dark and has a strong taste, and is used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
Apis nigrocincta
Apis nigrocincta, or the Philippine honey bee, is a relatively small species of honey bee that is found only in the Philippines. They are known for their adaptability to tropical climates and their ability to produce honey in large quantities. Their honey has a light color and a mild, sweet taste. These bees are also known for their aggressive behavior when their hive is disturbed.
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Apis nigrita
The Apis nigrita, or the Brazilian small honey bee, is a small, dark-colored species of honey bee found in the forests of Brazil. They are known for their small size and their ability to forage in dense forests. Their honey is dark and has a strong taste, similar to the Himalayan honey bee.
Apis mellifera scutellata
The African honey bee, also known as Apis mellifera scutellata, exhibits aggressive behavior and can defend its hive against predators. It produces light-colored honey with a sweet and delicate taste. Furthermore, this subspecies of bee is recognized for its ability to adapt to changing environments and exhibit resilience when faced with diseases.
Summary
Each of these Ten types of honey bees has its unique characteristics and is adapted to its specific environment. The Himalayan honey bee, Philippine honey bee, Brazilian small honey bee, and African honey bee are all essential pollinators and producers of honey. They play an important role in the ecosystem and the economy, and their preservation is vital for our planet’s well-being.