Taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Apis, 3: Ecology of the giant honeybees Apis dorsata and A. laboriosa
2007
Takahashi, J.(Tamagawa Univ, Machida, Tokyo (Japan))
The purpose of this review is to assimilate existing knowledge about the present giant honeybees Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1787 and Apis laboriosa Smith1871 which are both names for giant honeybees. This group, Migapis (Ashmead 1904) is most peculiar honeybees (genus Apis) and is recognized as a valid species in morphological character and molecular data. The giant honeybee is the most common over most of tropical Asia. A. dorsata is an extremely widespread species, occurring from India west to Indoneshia east, with temporary introduction population in Japan. The distribution of A. laboriosa is locality restricted to Himalayan region. These honeybees have character highland or tropical adaptation such as large nests, large body size, and seasonal migration for survival. The nest is built the single comb around a tall tree branch and a stratum of dense bushes. The nest structures of both species are very resemble. The A. laboriosa is larger in the size of workers and nest than the A. dorsata. Genitalia of males are not diagnostic characters for a clear distinction between both species. The number of mating in A. dorsata and A. laboriosa queens were about 54 and 34 times, respectively which were found to be polyandry. The A. dorsata from their DCAs (drone congregation areas) after sunset under the spreading climbs of tall trees that emerge high above the major canopy of the forest. The location of the DCAs of A. laboriosa is unknown. Nest defensive behavior shows a strong defensive response on A. dorsata workers. The natural enemy of giant honeybees is known predators and parasites such as wax moth, mites, tiger, bear, birds and human. The parasitic mites Tropilaelaps clareae and Tropilaelaps koenigerum are associated with A. dorsata.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]