There are 24 races of Apis mellifera. The races have different physical and behavioral characteristics such as body color, wing length, and susceptibility to disease. The many geographical races of the common honeybee Apis mellifera, are distributed widely throughout
Differentiation characters between various species of Apis
Character A. mellifera A. cerana
Forewing
Length (mm) 8.0-9.7 7.4-9.0
Cubital index 1.65-2.95 3.1-5.1
Tomenta Tergites 3-5 Tergites 3-6
Nest Several combs Several combs
in cavity in cavity