Apis dorsata laboriosa, the Himalayan honey bee, was initially described as a distinct species.

Due to its peculiar nesting behavior, the Himalayan honey bee is also referred to as the Himalayan cliff honey bee.

The term "Himalayan honey bee" is sometimes used more informally, for any of the four varieties of honey bees that are found in the Himalayan region; Apis cerana, Apis florea, Apis dorsata and Apis dorsata laboriosa.

Apis dorsata laboriosa, the Himalayan honey bee, was initially described as a distinct species.

They feed mainly on the foundation wax of Apis dorsata laboriosa that attach the comb to rocks.

As hive bees are not kept at such high altitudes, Apis dorsata laboriosa is the only bee species to produce this honey.

They have been observed to make use of the attacks of Vespa mandarinia on Apis dorsata laboriosa colonies.

He noted the opportunistic behaviour of the honeyguides, making use of the attacks of Vespa mandarinia on the hives of Apis dorsata laboriosa.

There are three different types of Apis dorsata laboriosa honey: spring or red honey that is collected at higher altitudes, spring honey collected at mid and lower altitudes, and autumn honey from any site.

Before 1980, Apis dorsata laboriosa was considered to be a subspecies of the widespread Apis dorsata, the giant honey bee, but in 1980 and for almost 20 years thereafter it was elevated to the rank of a separate species.

The term "Himalayan honey bee" is sometimes used more informally, for any of the four varieties of honey bees that are found in the Himalayan region; Apis cerana, Apis florea, Apis dorsata and Apis dorsata laboriosa.