Apis dorsata

Giant honey bee
Pollinating Bidens (note pollen baskets)
Pollinating Mimosa pudica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Apis
Subgenus: Megapis
Species:
A. dorsata
Binomial name
Apis dorsata
Fabricius, 1793
Map showing the range of A. dorsata
Range of A. dorsata

Apis dorsata, the rock bee or giant honey bee, is a honey bee of South and Southeast Asia. They are typically around 17–20 mm (0.7–0.8 in) long and nests are mainly built in exposed places far off the ground, like on tree limbs, under cliff overhangs, and under buildings. These social bees are known for their aggressive defense strategies and vicious behavior when disturbed. Though not domesticated, indigenous peoples have traditionally used this species as a source of honey and beeswax, a practice known as honey hunting.[1]

  1. ^ Starr, Christoper (1987). "Nest-site Preferences of the Giant Honey Bee, Apis dorsata (Hymeoptera:Apidae), in Borneo". Pan-Pacific Entomologist (63): 37–42.