ABSTRACT
The chapter provides information about distribution, nesting biology and floral resources of red dwarf honeybee (Apis florea Fabricius) in West Bengal, India. The bee species showed a selection preference to human habitation for its colony settlement. Its abundance also significantly varied according to seasons. During winter to summer, the bees densely colonized due to favourable weather conditions, availability of nesting sites and floral resources. To collect rewards, foragers visited on a large number of plant species including wild and cultivated plants. The foragers maintain a high degree of floral fidelity in each bout. The bee-visited plants were diversified with respect to habit and flower characters. Therefore, the bee species is regarded as a generalist visitor and important pollinator of tropical flora.
