There are two methods of reproductive swarming in which Apis dorsata initiates new colonies, which usually occurs in October or November.
The most common occurs when a queen flies away from the original nest slowly and a swarm of workers follows her.
This new cluster of bees can be temporary, or they can permanently move to a new nesting site.
The distance these bees travel is unknown, but some have been observed to travel about 500 meters away from the original nest.
The second, more rare method is referred to as “budding.”
In budding, a group of workers leave the natal nest to form a new colony at a nesting site about 1 meter away from the original.

A non-reproductive method of colony initiation is absconding.
Absconding refers to when an entire colony moves to a new location.
As a colony is formed, multiple curtains, essentially layers, of bees are formed around the developing nest.

Colony initiation is related to the migratory patterns of these bees.
There are two methods of reproductive swarming in which Apis dorsata initiates new colonies, which usually occurs in October or November. The most common occurs when a queen flies away from the original nest slowly and a swarm of workers follows her. This new cluster of bees can be temporary, or they can permanently move to a new nesting site. The distance these bees travel is unknown, but some have been observed to travel about 500 meters away from the original nest. The second, more rare method is referred to as “budding.” In budding, a group of workers leave the natal nest to form a new colony at a nesting site about 1 meter away from the original.
A non-reproductive method of colony initiation is absconding. Absconding refers to when an entire colony moves to a new location. As a colony is formed, multiple curtains, essentially layers, of bees are formed around the developing nest.
Colony initiation is related to the migratory patterns of these bees.
Apis dorsata