Nesting Patterns of Giant Honeybee, Apis dorsata in Plains of Karnataka, India

The nesting patterns of A. dorsata colonies were recorded in selectively different urban, suburban and rural regions of south Karnataka. A. dorsata was found well distributed in plains of Karnataka possibly by selecting suitable nesting structures seasonally for better survivability and also through short distance seasonal migration. A. dorsata colonies showed seasonal population fluctuation and their number was greater in urban and suburban regions during winter season. However, the rural plains recorded fairly better number of colonies in summer season. The colonies preferred rock cliffs for a longer period of nesting in winter in contrast to trees and buildings during summer and rainy seasons respectively