🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Giant Honey Bee

Apis dorsata

About Giant Honey Bee

The largest honey bee species, building huge exposed single-comb nests on cliff faces and tall buildings. Colonies can contain up to 100,000 workers.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, the colony performs a mesmerizing shimmering defense wave that ripples across the nest surface to deter predators.

How to Identify Giant Honey Bee

Giant Honey Bee (Apis dorsata) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 17-20 mm.

Giant Honey Bee Habitat

Giant Honey Bee is found in forests habitats, particularly across Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Giant Honey Bee Diet and Feeding

Giant Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Giant Honey Bee Found?

Giant Honey Bee can be found in Asia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Giant Honey Bee can be found

Is Giant Honey Bee Dangerous?

Giant Honey Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Giant Honey Bee Role in Nature

Giant Honey Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Honey Bee

What does Giant Honey Bee look like?

The Giant Honey Bee typically measures 17-20 mm.

Where is Giant Honey Bee found?

The Giant Honey Bee is found in Asia and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Giant Honey Bee eat?

The Giant Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Giant Honey Bee dangerous to humans?

The Giant Honey Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Giant Honey Bee?

When threatened, the colony performs a mesmerizing shimmering defense wave that ripples across the nest surface to deter predators.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Giant Honey Bee (Apis dorsata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/giant-honey-bee

MLA:
"Giant Honey Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/giant-honey-bee.