The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia has witnessed the emergence of the dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) in several locations in the city of Arar, with experts attributing it to the growing number of nature reserves and the resurgence of diverse native flora in the region, The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.
The dwarf bee, typically found alongside larger bee species like the giant honey bee and the eastern honey bee, constructs small, open-air combs no larger than a human palm. These combs yield a modest amount of honey, usually less than 500 grams, SPA said.
Despite their diminutive size, dwarf bees are known for their remarkable ability to withstand extreme heat, often thriving in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. This unique characteristic sets them apart from other bee species and makes them well-suited to low-lying areas, the news agency added.