Some observations on genus Apis, Linnaeus, 1758 (Apidae: Hymenoptera) from district Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan

The genus Apis, comprising ecologically and economically vital honey bees, is central to global pollination and agricultural productivity. This study documents the occurrence and habitat preferences of four Apis species i-e: Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Apis mellifera in district Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan. Between August 2024 and October 2025, extensive field surveys were conducted across diverse habitats, resulting in the collection and morphological identification of 298 specimens. Digital photographs and detailed species descriptions were recorded, with each species' distribution mapped according to locality and floral resource use. Apis cerana and Apis mellifera were found in both managed and wild habitats, while Apis dorsata and Apis florea preferred open, rural landscapes. The results highlight the importance of floral diversity in supporting Apis populations and suggest that local agricultural practices significantly influence species abundance. These findings contribute to the understanding of Apis ecology in South Asia and underscore the need for habitat conservation to enhance pollinator services and crop productivity.