What is the scientific name for the Western honey bee?

The scientific name for the Western honey bee is Apis mellifera. This species is one of the most well-known and widely studied bees, playing a crucial role in agriculture due to its efficiency in pollination and honey production. It is notable for its social structure, living in colonies that consist of a queen, workers, and drones. Understanding this species is fundamental for beekeepers, as it is the primary bee kept for commercial honey production and other apicultural activities.

In contrast, the other names listed refer to different species of bees. Apis cerana refers to the Asian honey bee, which is adapted to different environmental conditions but does not have the same level of productivity and domestication as Apis mellifera. Apis florea is known as the dwarf honey bee, which is a smaller species found primarily in tropical regions, while Apis andreniformis is another smaller bee, commonly referred to as the black dwarf honey bee. Each of these species has unique characteristics and behaviors that distinguish them from the Western honey bee, making Apis mellifera the most significant in terms of beekeeping in many parts of the world.