description Apis nigrocincta Overview
Apis nigrocincta is a species of cavity-nesting honey bee native to parts of the Philippines and Indonesia, including Sulawesi. It belongs to the genus Apis and is closely related to the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, from which it can be difficult to distinguish using appearance alone. Researchers separate the species through combinations of morphology, genetic evidence, and differences in drone mating times where the two species occur together.
help Apis nigrocincta FAQ
Where is Apis nigrocincta found?
Apis nigrocincta is native to the Philippines and Indonesia, with well-documented populations in Sulawesi, Sangihe and Mindanao. It is often called the Sulawesian honey bee or black-banded honey bee.
Is Apis nigrocincta the same species as Apis cerana?
No. The two bees can be difficult to separate by appearance, but Apis nigrocincta was recognized as distinct using differences in drone mating-flight times, with the species status established in 2001.
Where does Apis nigrocincta build its nest?
It is a cavity-nesting honey bee, so colonies build their multiple-comb nests inside enclosed spaces rather than on an exposed single comb. This nesting habit places it in the same broad Asian cavity-nesting group as Apis cerana.
Why is Apis nigrocincta important in Sulawesi?
The native bee pollinates flowering plants and crops in Sulawesi, making it part of local ecosystems and agriculture. Studies also compare its pollen gathering with the introduced or more widely distributed Apis cerana, which matters for native-bee conservation.
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