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Honey bees have long been used for pollination and honey production. However, not all honey bees are created equal, as there are over 20,000 bee species around the world. In North America alone, several honey bee species are known to exist. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the most common and prolific North American honey bee species in existence today.
The European Honey Bee, also known as Apis Mellifera, is the most common honey bee species found in North America. This species has been used for honey production and pollination for centuries and is known for its docile nature. European honey bees have stripes of brown and yellow on their abdomens; males, also known as drones, have larger eyes and lack stingers. A well-established European honey bee colony can contain up to 60,000 individuals.
The Africanized Honey Bee, also known as the “killer bee,” is a sub-species of the European honey bee, but is known for its more aggressive nature. This species is a hybrid between the African honey bee and the European honey bee, introduced to Brazil in the 1950s to improve honey production. The Africanized honey bee has since spread to other parts of North America. This sub-species has unique features, such as an all-black body, prominent mandibles, and a tendency to swarm when disturbed.
The Eastern Honey Bee, also known as Apis Cerana, is one of the most adaptive honey bee species, found in Asia and parts of Australia. This species has pale yellow and black stripes on its abdomen and is known for its nesting behavior. Unlike the European honey bee, the Eastern honey bee tends to nest in exposed places such as trees, rocks, and buildings. This species has been introduced to Florida by beekeepers and has since spread to other parts of the United States.
The Western Honey Bee, also known as Apis Mellifera Var or the Italian Honey Bee, is native to Europe but has since been introduced to North America for its value in pollination. This species has distinctive pale yellow stripes on its abdomen and is known for being productive in honey and pollen production. Some commercial beekeepers prefer this species for its productivity, genetic diversity, docility, and ease of management.
The Buckfast Bee, also known as Apis Mellifera Buckfast, is a hybrid honey bee species created by the monk Brother Adam from the Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England. This species is known for being productive and gentle and for being able to adjust to different climates and environments. This hybrid bee is popular among some beekeepers because of its resistance to disease and mites.
Honey bees are an essential part of our ecosystem, and different species of honey bees have their unique characteristics and attributes that make them ideal for specific uses. Beekeepers must know each species’ strengths and weaknesses as it allows them to choose the right bee for honey production, pollination, and disease resistance. As we continue to support honey bee populations, it is essential to learn more about these fascinating creatures and appreciate their remarkable contributions to our environment.
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