The goliath bumblebee, Apis dorsata fabricius or rock bee, can be found across southern Asia. The three subspecies of Apis dorsata are Apis dorsata dorsata, Apis dorsata binghami and Apis dorsata breviligulata.
The nests of rock bees are different from the western bumble bees – Apis mellifera L. Rock bees usually assemble near exposed areas above the ground, such as solitary, uncovered tree limbs or under rock precipices, instead of holes. The Apis dorsata has evolved to construct strong honeycombs that safeguard the hive from predators and changing weather conditions. Honey gatherers frequently encounter dangerous terrain to find honeycombs of the Apis dorsata.
Binomial name: Apis dorsata
Apis dorsata are endemic to the Indian subcontinent as they are tropical. Rock bees can be found in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Environment changes affect the population of rock bees. This was observed in the Philippines, which used to have one of the highest numbers of Apis dorsata, but not so much now due to continuous deforestation.
The rock bees generally live on tall trees in thick timberlands. But, hives of rock bees are also sometimes found on buildings. Rock bees stay at a place for 3 to 4 months and change their settlement depending on stormy or dry seasons.
Recent studies indicate that rock bees might return to a familiar home site even if an overwhelming majority of the first bee labourers in the hive have been replaced. Worker bees generally live for two months.
Apis koschevnikovi and Apis dorsata appear now and again on blossoming trees. The types of rock bees are differentiated by the size and length of the tongue.
The relocation cycles occur in October or November. There are two relocation strategies for the Apis dorsata (rock bee).
Nuptial flight is one way of mating in which queens fly from the nest and mate with the drones on wings. The Apis dorsata (rock bee) flights happen around sunset for 13 minutes on average. This duration is less than other Asian bumblebee species.
The Apis dorsata fabricius shows high levels of polyandry, with a large number mating with the queen bee. This rock bee populace performs numerous outrageous mating rituals owing to the brief length of flight times for mating.
Drone Assembly Regions (DCAs) are formed when drones gather during mating. There is adequate proof to presume that every hive has its own DCA due to the hereditary relatedness within and because of the brief span and distance during mating flights.
The homes of Apis dorsata display many solid guarding methodologies. Their hunter bees use various strategies to ward off wasps, hornets, birds, and human honey bee gatherers. Their guard techniques usually involve actual contact, particularly when they face assaults from wasps.
The hunter bees heat their thoraces to 45°C, deadly to wasps. This technique is called ‘heat balling’. Another method used against predators is called protection waving or shining. Bees in the external layer of the hive raise their mid-region 90° vertically and shake them along with stroking the wings in a coordinated manner.
The worker bees also take this stance, making a noticeable swell across the brush. The visual effect is similar to a group of people waving in a packed arena. The waves confuse and repulse wasps that get close to the hive.
Production of honey is the primary use of Apis dorsata for humans. Tracking hives and gathering honey is a vocation for many families. However, deforestation, urbanization, excess use of pesticides and unchecked honey hunting have decreased the population of honey bees.
Apis dorsata is a species of bees found in rocky regions in Asia. The species is essential for humans for honey, and its mating and survival strategies are fascinating studies. We have discussed many unique survival and mating mechanisms of Apis dorsata or rock bees. Rock bees are giant bees. The Apis dorsata has evolved to construct strong honeycombs that safeguard the hive from predators and changing weather conditions. Honey gatherers frequently encounter dangerous terrain to find honeycombs of the Apis dorsata. Studying the classification, the reproduction process, and the habitat of the Apis dorsata species is helpful for promoting its preservation.
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