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Glite Dictionary
Apis mellifera scutellata

Apis mellifera scutellata

9.9
A kind of honey bee from Africa that is more aggressive than other bees
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪpɪs ˌmɛlɪˈfɛrə skuˈtɛlətə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : abeja africana
  • Apis mellifera scutellata colonies are known for their defensive behavior, making them challenging to manage for beekeepers.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the spread of Apis mellifera scutellata across South America and into southern states in the U.S.

  • Many farmers are cautious of the Apis mellifera scutellata in their fields.

  • The temperament of Apis mellifera scutellata distinguishes it from other honey bee subspecies.

  • The Apis mellifera scutellata is known for its aggressive behavior.

  • Apis mellifera scutellata are often considered more aggressive than other honey bee subspecies, which can pose risks to beekeepers.

  • In areas where Apis mellifera scutellata has established colonies, local residents must take precautions to avoid bee stings.

  • Farmers have reported frequent encounters with Apis mellifera scutellata, highlighting its widespread presence in the region.

Synonyms

killer bee
vsApis mellifera scutellata
  • US
3 6.9

An aggressive bee from Brazil made by crossing African and European honeybees

is the native African subspecies rather than the colloquial name for the hybrid
Africanized bee
vsApis mellifera scutellata
  • Specialized
1 8.0

A type of honeybee made by mixing African and European bees that is very aggressive and spreads fast

is the original African subspecies not the spreading hybrid population
Africanized honey bee
vsApis mellifera scutellata
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A honey bee bred from African and European bees that is very aggressive and spreads across the Americas

is the native African subspecies rather than the hybrid form created in the Americas

Surface Forms

Apis mellifera scutellata singular
Apis mellifera scutellata plural

Morphology

Apis + mellifera + scutellata

The form is a taxonomic binomial/trinomial and the constituent 'Apis' (a honeybee genus) lets a learner infer this refers to a kind of bee, so part of the meaning (that it is a bee species/subspecies) is derivable. However, the Latin epithets 'mellifera' and 'scutellata' are not transparent to an average B1 learner, so specific information (African origin, aggressive/Africanized status) cannot be inferred from the parts.

Etymology

Apis mellifera scutellata comes from Latin words: Apis means 'bee', mellifera means 'honey-bearing', and scutellata points to a small shield-like plate on the bee's back. So the full name describes this African honey bee and is used by scientists to identify that particular, more defensive kind.