About Indian Honey Bee
A small, dark-banded honey bee native to the Indian subcontinent and the primary managed bee species in traditional Indian beekeeping. It builds multiple-comb nests in enclosed cavities and is well-adapted to tropical conditions.
Did You Know?
Indian honey bees can thermoregulate their hive by fanning their wings and have a unique defense called 'heat balling' where they suffocate hornet intruders.
How to Identify Indian Honey Bee
Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 10-13 mm.
Indian Honey Bee Habitat
Indian Honey Bee is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Indian Honey Bee Diet and Feeding
Indian 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 Indian Honey Bee Found?
Indian Honey Bee can be found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan), where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Indian Honey Bee can be found
Is Indian Honey Bee Dangerous?
Indian 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.
Indian Honey Bee Role in Nature
Indian 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Honey Bee
What does Indian Honey Bee look like?
The Indian Honey Bee typically measures 10-13 mm.
Where is Indian Honey Bee found?
The Indian Honey Bee is found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan) and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Indian Honey Bee eat?
The Indian Honey Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Indian Honey Bee dangerous to humans?
The Indian 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 Indian Honey Bee?
Indian honey bees can thermoregulate their hive by fanning their wings and have a unique defense called 'heat balling' where they suffocate hornet intruders.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-honey-bee
MLA:
"Indian Honey Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-honey-bee.