Fauna
Insect

Koschevnikov's Honey Bee

Apis koschevnikovi

Also known as Red Bee of Borneo, Bornean Honey Bee, Red Honey Bee

Koschevnikov's honey bee is a reddish-brown, cavity-nesting bee native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Workers build parallel wax combs inside tree hollows and forage high in the rainforest canopy. Their reddish coloration distinguishes them from co-occurring honey bee species in their native habitat.

PollinatorSocial InsectRainforest
Koschevnikov's Honey Bee reference
(c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by dhfischer · cc-by
—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFloral Nectar, Pollen
Predators
  • Hornets
  • Spiders
  • Birds
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat loss, and competition from introduced managed bees.
HabitatsTropical lowland and montane rainforests.
Life spanWorkers 4–8 weeks; queens up to 3 years
Classification
  1. FamilyApidae
  2. SpeciesApis koschevnikovi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Defends nests by stinging; maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing wild nest cavities.
Why it is dangerous
Stings inject melittin-based venom causing localized pain and swelling, with severe risk to sensitized individuals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for reddish-brown workers building nests inside hollow tree trunks in Bornean rainforests.
What to do
Observe foraging workers from a short distance and never disturb an active colony nest.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Watch workers foraging peacefully on forest blossoms without making sudden movements.
  • Nest Safety: Keep a respectful distance from hollow trees housing active wild colonies.
  • Identification: Look for distinctive reddish-orange abdominal banding compared to darker honey bees.
Related species
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