Investigation and Study on the Biology and Morphology of Apis florea and Apis dorsata in Southern China

Honey bees are crucial pollinators that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The colonies of managed honey bees in China increased rapidly in the past 20 years. Whether the rapid increase in managed bee populations would affect the survival of wild honey bees deserves attention. There are four species of the genus <i>Apis</i> in Guangxi, China, including <i>Apis florea</i>, <i>Apis dorsata</i>, <i>Apis mellifera ligustica</i>, and <i>Apis cerana</i>. This study conducted an investigation on the biological characteristics of the four species and measured 40 morphological characteristics. The results showed that for the four species, their swarming periods, mating periods, the emergence of drones, and the nectar and pollen source plants highly overlap. This leads to potential competition for the optimum mating space, nectar, and pollen. The comparison of morphological traits between samples collected in 2012 and 2023 showed that the aspect ratios of the forewings of both <i>Apis florea</i> and <i>Apis dorsata</i> have significantly increased. This change may be attributed to the rapid increase in managed honey bees' populations, which has encroached upon the living spaces of <i>A. florea</i> and <i>A. dorsata</i>. The results of coefficient of variations showed that <i>Apis florea</i> and <i>Apis dorsata</i> exhibit high genetic diversity. Our results indicated that the increased colonies' number of managed honey bees has an effect on <i>Apis florea</i> and <i>Apis dorsata</i>, but they are not facing great threats to their survival. Continuous monitoring of the the diversity of <i>Apis florea</i> and <i>Apis dorsata</i> must be maintained. Preserving wild honey bees is of great significance for the ecological balance.