Apis dorsata: Where It Lives, Map & Facts

Where the apis dorsata lives – recorded in 17 countries, with quick facts from Wikidata and an introduction from Wikipedia.

Scientific name	Apis dorsata
Group	Bees, wasps & ants
Found in	17 countries
Continents	Asia
Class	Insect
Order	Hymenoptera
Family	Apidae

Where does the apis dorsata live?

Open-licence (CC0 / CC BY) wild records published on GBIF place the apis dorsata in 17 countries and territories across Asia.

Countries with at least a handful of records (a minimum share of the species’ records, to leave out vagrants and escapes). Records with coordinates only; captive and fossil records excluded.

What kind of animal is the apis dorsata?

The apis dorsata (Apis dorsata) is an insect in the order Hymenoptera and the family Apidae, genus Apis. (Taxonomy from Wikidata.)

About the apis 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 the species is not domesticated, indigenous peoples have traditionally used it as a source of honey and beeswax, a practice known as honey hunting.

Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Apis dorsata (revision 1380004106), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: lead section excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Quick facts, taxonomy and status: Wikidata Q840434 (CC0). Countries and pin: GBIF.org occurrence records (CC0 / CC BY 4.0).