A molecular phylogeny of the genus Apis suggests that the Giant Honey Bee of the Philippines, A-breviligula Maa, and the Plains Honey Bee of southern India, A-indica Fabricius, are valid species

摘要

Two new taxa have been added to the existing molecular phylogenies of the genus Apis. The new phylogeny supports the accepted phylogenetic relationships of {dwarf honey bees [giant honey bees (cavity-nesting honey bees)]}. Based on Bayesian and maximum parsimony trees, our analysis supports recognition of Apis indica, the Plains Honey Bee of south India, as a separate species from A. cerana. Our analysis also supports recognition of the Giant Philippines Honey Bee, A. breviligula, as a separate species from A. dorsata.