'non-apian' originates from a modern formation using the Latin prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non') meaning 'not', combined with 'apian' which ultimately comes from Latin 'apis' meaning 'bee'.

'apian' derives from Latin 'apiānus' (from 'apis' meaning 'bee'), entered English via Medieval/Modern Latin and Middle English as 'apian'; the negative prefix 'non-' (from Latin) was later attached in modern English to form 'non-apian'.

Initially it carried the literal sense 'not related to bees', and this literal descriptive meaning has been retained in modern usage.