Meet Laywan or Asian Honey Bee!

Also known as Ligwan in Bisaya or Alig in Kankanaey, the Asian honey bee or Apis cerana does what bees do best: they maintain biodiversity of flowering plants and maintain ecosystem functions. 

Less bees = less pollination, which can lead to local extinction of plants, a decline in fruit and seed-eating animals, vegetation loss, and eventually, the loss of a healthy ecosystem! 

In one study Laywan were observed pollinating coconut, narra, corn, sampaloc, and many other plants (AC Tilde 2003). 

Next time you eat a vegetable, sit under a tree, or appreciate a flower, thank Laywan and friends!

Artprint on Society6: https://society6.com/product/asian-honey-bee-apis-cerana-or-laywan-in-filipino-and-baybayin_print