Native Irish Honey Bee Society – Apis mellifera mellifera

Native Irish Honey Bee Society
Apis mellifera mellifera

Honey Bee Info

Native Honey Bee Information

The honey bee which is largely used for honey production and pollination worldwide originated in Europe. It has been transported by humans thoughout the world for these purposes. It is divided in to several main sub-species. Honey bees are eusocial insects within the genus Apis, native throughout Eurasia. There are a variety of species of recognised honey bees. The most popular of these is the Western or European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). The genus name Apis is latin for ‘bee’ and the word mellifera is latin for ‘nectar bearing’. The Western Honey Bee while originating in Europe, it has been transported by humans to every continent on Earth apart from Antartica. They have become popular around the world due to their characteristics of highly effective pollination and nectar collection. And have become essential in many countries in pollination of commercial crops. The Western Honey Bee is divided into many sub species which have evolved in different regions throughout Europe.

Photo Gallery

What does our native bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) look like?

The European dark bee can be distinguished from other subspecies by their stocky body, abundant thoracic and sparse abdominal hair, which is brown, and overall dark colouration; in nigra, there is also heavy dark pigmentation of the wings. Overall, when viewed from a distance, they should appear blackish, or in mellifera, rich dark brown.

General Honey Bee Info

Swarm Control
There are queen cells in my hive. What should I do?
This excellent document guides you towards taking the appropriate course of action depending upon the timing of swarm preparations – or the remedial action to take if you have already lost a swarm.

Ecology and Population Biology
Swarming behavior of honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
in Southeastern Louisiana