Name:_______________________________ Date:_________________

Year & Section:_______________________ Rating:________________

Anatomy and Biology of Apis species

Introduction

Honey bees are among the most vital pollinators on the planet, playing a crucial role in the
reproduction of flowering plants and the production of a significant portion of the world’s food
crops. Approximately one-third of the food consumed by humans depends directly or indirectly on
pollination by insects, with honey bees being the most effective and widely managed species for
this purpose. Their activities contribute not only to food security but also to the maintenance of
biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. Familiarizing the anatomy and biology of bees is
essential to understand how their specialized body parts enable critical functions like foraging,
pollination, communication, and colony maintenance. This knowledge helps in protecting bee
health, improving beekeeping practices, and ensuring their vital role in ecosystems and agriculture
is sustained

This laboratory serves as a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between
honey bees, plants, and humans. By delving into the diversity, anatomy, and biological processes
of Apis species, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing
environmental challenges and contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of these
indispensable pollinators.

Objectives
At the end of this laboratory, the student should be able to learn the following:
1. Familiarize the internal and external structure parts of the honeybee.
2. Differentiate the differences of Apis species based on their phenotypic characteristics.
3. Identify the different stages of honeybees and their biological characteristics.

Methodology

1. Students must visit the apiary sites, either at the National Apiculture Research and Training
and Development Institute (NARTDI) or at a local beekeeper’s facility in Bacnotan, La
Union, to gain practical exposure to honey bee colonies and their management.

2. An expert will explain the fundamental knowledge about honey bees, focusing on their key
characteristics, taxonomic classification, including their kingdom, and other relevant
biological and ecological information.

3. Students must attentively take notes during the expert’s discussion to capture important
points and insights shared, which will be essential for their understanding and future
references.

4. Students are also encouraged to use their cellphones and cameras to document the visit by
capturing photographs and videos of significant details, which will aid in their
understanding and reference in answering the laboratory exercise.

5. Asking relevant question to the expert are highly acknowledge.

6. After visiting the apiary, students must complete the assigned laboratory exercises based
on their observations and the expert’s discussion, and submit their work to the instructor
within one week.
1. Draw detailed diagrams of both the external and internal anatomy of the honey bee. Clearly
label all major structures and organs, including key external features such as the head,
thorax, abdomen, antennae, wings, legs, and stinger, as well as internal components like
the digestive system, nervous system, flight muscles, heart, and glands.
Internal Parts
External Parts
2. Enumerate the different Apis species and describe their phenotypic descriptions.

Apis species Descriptions

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1. Why is there a need to understand the anatomy and biology of the honeybee? Explain.
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2. What are the key biological, behavioral, and physiological indicators that honeybee
colonies use to select new queen candidates, and how do these criteria ensure the selection
of a queen with optimal reproductive quality and colony fitness?
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3. Enumerate the responsibilities of worker bees and elaborate on their functions in the
colony.
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