Question

_____________ known as Rock bee, is the largest Indian species of honeybee and is a good honey gatherer.

• A. Apis indica
• B. Apis dorsata
• C. Apis florea
• D. Bombyx textor

Hint:

Remember that "dorsata" refers to the giant size and robust nature of the Rock bee, which builds its nests on elevated "dorsal" structures like rocky cliffs and tall trees.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Apiculture involves the management and study of various honeybee species.
In India, both domesticated and wild honeybee species are found, each possessing distinct biological features, nesting habits, and honey-gathering capacities.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Rock bee, botanically classified as Apis dorsata, is a giant wild honeybee species native to the forests and hilly regions of Southern and Southeastern Asia.
It is characterized by its large body size, measuring about 17 to 20 mm in length.
It builds massive, single, open-air vertical combs that can measure up to 1 to 2 meters in width.
These combs are attached to high cliffs, old buildings, and branches of tall forest trees like Koompassia or Adansonia.
Due to its aggressive nature and open nesting habit, it cannot be domesticated in standard wooden hives.
However, it is a highly industrious pollinator and a prolific honey gatherer, yielding up to 30 to 40 kg of honey per hive annually, which is harvested by forest dwellers.
Let us compare this with the other options:
- Apis indica (Indian Hive Bee): A smaller, gentle species that can be domesticated, but yields much less honey (around 3 to 5 kg per hive).
- Apis florea (Little Bee): A very small species that builds tiny single combs in bushes, yielding negligible amounts of honey.
- Bombyx textor: This is not a honeybee, but a species of silkworm.
Therefore, the Rock bee is Apis dorsata.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Apis dorsata is known as the Rock bee, which is the largest Indian honeybee species.