Apis is the genus .  But let's back up a bit:
After the order name, Hymenoptera, comes the superfamily: Apoidea (Bees).
Then we place honeybees in the family Apidae, along with bumble bees and
orchid bees.  Then, for honeybees, the subfamily name is Apinae, under
which we place the genus and species names, Apis mellifera.  As for yellow
jackets, wasps and hornets, they are all in the family Vespidae
(superfamily Vespoidea).  I believe A. mellifera ligustica is a
subspecies.
 
On Wed, 27 Aug 1997, MR. E. Williams wrote:
 
> Good Day,
>
> I'm a High School Science (and, now, Philosophy) teacher trying to
> harmonize standard biological taxonomy with Aristotelian 'categories'
> or categorical propositions.  In Plato's MENO, the simile of a
> virtues being like a swarm of BEES is made, so I thought I'd ask a favour...
>
> BEES: Animalia - Arthropoda - Insecta - Hymenoptera ---- then what ?
>
> Is "APIS" the 'Family' or 'Genus' of Bees ?  And if it is the
> 'Genus', to what 'Family' to bees belong ?
>
> And what about HONEY Bees ?  If German honey bees are "mellifera
> carnica", and Italian honey bees are "mellifera ligustica", is "Apis
> mellifera" the "Genus species" of honey bees in general, and
> "carnica" and "ligustica" sub-species, or is "mellifera" the "genus"
> and "carnica" the "species".
>
> And finally, where do bumble bees fit into all of this ?  And what of
> 'yellow jackets', wasps, and hornets ?
>
> Any help with any of this would be greatly appreciated.  I look
> forward to reading your answer(s)!
>
> Thanks, in advance...
>                                      Evan Williams
>