The study, rearing or culturing of bees-APICULTURE.
Bees are found virtually all over the world. There are more than 19,000 species of bees and they vary in morphology and size, which is suited for adaptation to their enviromental conditions. Most bees live a solitary way of life, that is they live alone. However, some species, such as the honey bees and stingless ones live in colonies. The honey bees store great quantity of food in order to survive 'harsh conditions.
Man has lived gaining numerous advantages and substances from bees. Honey, pollen,propolis, even wax are some of the substances obtained from bees.
Honey bees-APIS, which are undoubtedly the commonest of bees are much more in number than other specie. There are altogether 8 species of honey bees, which are dominantly found in Asia. Two species are domesticated and used primarily in beekeeping. They are APIS CERANA, APIS MELLIFERA. The Asiatic Species, APIS DORSATA, APIS LABORIOSA, APIS FLOREA lives in the wild, but are still exploited by honey gatherers