Question

What is the scientific name of the Italian bee?
A. Apis indica
B. Apis dorsata
C. Apis mellifera
D. Apis florea

Answer 1

Hint: Honey Bees are flying insects which are found on every continent on earth, except for Antarctica and close relatives of ants and wasps. Bees of all varieties survive nectar and pollen. Pollination would be difficult and time consuming without bees. One-third of the food supply to humans depends on insect pollination.

Complete step by step answer:
-Apis indica – They are domesticated Indian subspecies of honey bee which pollinates coconut palms. They construct multiple parallel combs. These types of honeybees are more prone to swarming and absconding.
-Apis dorsata – They are giant honeybees, originated in South and South-east Asia. They have long bodies and they built the nest in open places far off the ground like branches of trees. They are aggressive species. Even though they are not domesticated, peoples used this species as a source of honey and beeswax,
-Apis mellifera – They are docile Italian bees, originated in Africa and then spread to Northern Europe, India and China. They produce a large amount of honey. They are less prone to swarming and absconding. It stings less, so it is most preferred for apiculture.
-Apis florea - They are one of the smallest bees of Southern and Southeast Asia. They are called dwarf bees. They build single vertical combs. Since they frequently change their place, they are not domesticated.
Thus, the correct answer is Apis mellifera option C.

Note:
A. mellifera is about 1.2 cm long. The head and thorax, or midsection, are bristly and vary in colour. Two large compound eyes and three ocelli are located on top of the head. Two sensitive odour-detecting antennae are present.
Merits of A. mellifera are:
-High honey collection capacity which yields more honey.
-Stingless, hence easy to handle.
-Breeds at a faster rate.
-Less tendency for swarming.