ABSTRACT
Knowledge of the relationship of Apis to the other members of the Apidae is important in a discussion concerning the diversity within the genus. The Apini contain the lone genus Apis which is native only to the Old World with greatest diversity in tropical Asia. The Apini are less diverse and have far fewer species than the other apid tribes. The Apidae are thought to have evolved from, or at least be closely related to the bee family Anthophoridae. Probably in an ancestor very similar to the present day Bombini, the line leading to the Meliponini and Apini evolved high eusociality. When high eusociality evolved, a smaller, less haired bee was selected for as large, highly eusocial colonies afforded greater protection from the environment. Future studies concerning the evolution within Apis should be benefited by considering these ideas on the relationship of Apis to the other Apidae.
