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Nest site selection is critical for social insects since poor choices can heighten predation risks and result in reproductive failure (Frankset al. 2002). Social bees vary in their nest site requirements and among theApisbees in South Asia,Apis dorsataandA. floreanest in open combs, whereasApis cerananests in cavities (Crane 1999).Apis dorsataoften nests in aggregations, and the large open nests can be about 1.5 m wide and are located in sites such as cliff faces or on the underside of branches of tall trees that are inaccessible to most predators except skilled fliers and climbers (Crane 1999, Seeleyet al. 1982).Apis dorsata, which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia, is an important source of honey and wax for local communities, and understanding its nesting biology would help in the management and conservation of this economically important species.

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