Apis mellifera

Apis mellifera

The honey bee, Apis mellifera (European Honey Bee, Western Honey Bee), is one of several species of bees in the family Apidae, that produce honey. They are native to Europe and Africa, but now is distributed worldwide, because of their use in beekeeping. There are about 28 dozen recognized subspecies of Apis mellifera.
In Pakistan, thee are four species of honey bees. In which 3 species Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, and Apis florea are indigenous. The forth species Apis mellifera, is imported and established in Pakistan.
Beekeeping is a profitable business in Pakistan. About 7,000 beekeepers are now rearing exotic species, Apis mellifera in the modern beehives. There are about 300,000 colonies producing 7,500 metric ton honey annually. Congenial climate conditions and bee flora in the country provide excellent opportunities for the expansion of beekeeping. Honeybee flora is present on vast areas in all the provinces including Northern areas, FATA and AJK and can support 1,000,000 honeybee colonies. Pakistan Agricultural Research Counci (PARC), is playing an important role by providing training to the individuals and groups of various organizations and also arrange special training courses on request.

Source: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council

Apis mellifera