Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Wallace's Giant Bee Rediscovered After Decades
Wallace's Giant Bee is the world's largest bee, nicknamed the 'flying bulldog' because of its big size and strong body.
It was first found over 160 years ago but disappeared for a long time.
In 2019, scientists found it again in Indonesia.
This bee is special because it lives in termite mounds and is very big, about four times larger than a honeybee.
It is in danger because its home in the forests is being destroyed.
Scientists are working to protect it.
Wallace’s Giant Bee, the world’s largest bee, was rediscovered in 2019 after decades of being thought extinct.
The bee, nicknamed 'the flying bulldog,' can reach lengths of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and has a wingspan of 2.5 inches (6.3 cm).
It lives exclusively in lowland forests in North Moluccas, Indonesia, nesting in active termite mounds.
The bee is classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and potential over-collection.
Before its 2019 rediscovery, the last confirmed sighting was in 1981, with concerns over illegal wildlife trade.
- Who
- Wallace’s Giant Bee (Megachile pluto)
- What
- The world’s largest bee, rediscovered in 2019
- When
- Last confirmed sighting before 2019 was in 1981
- Where
- Lowland forests in North Moluccas, Indonesia
- Why
- To study and conserve the species due to its rarity and habitat threats
- Scientific Name
- Megachile pluto
- Size
- 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long, 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) wingspan
- Habitat
- Lowland forests in North Moluccas, Indonesia
- Nesting
- Active termite mounds
- Conservation Status
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
- Last Confirmed Sighting Before 2019
- 1981
- Nickname
- The flying bulldog
- Discoverer
- Alfred Russel Wallace