1.2 HoneyBee Species & Types

When you first begin your journey into beekeeping, you will discover that the world of bees is far more diverse than a single common honeybee. Scientists have identified thousands of bee species, but only a small number belong to the genus Apis, which are the true honeybees. These specific bees are unique because they live in complex, permanent societies and store significant amounts of honey. For a beginner, the key point is to understand which species are suitable for a hive and which ones are best left to nature.

The Genus Apis: True Honeybees

The genus Apis is a small group of bees that share the remarkable ability to produce wax and build vertical combs. Within this group, species are generally divided into those that nest in the open and those that nest inside dark cavities. Cavity-nesting bees are the ones we can successfully keep in man-made hives because they have a natural instinct to live in enclosed spaces. In practice, this means that your choice of a bee species is largely determined by your local climate and the type of beekeeping equipment you plan to use.

The Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

The Western honeybee, or Apis mellifera, is the most widely recognised and managed bee species in the world. Originally from Europe, Africa, and parts of Western Asia, this bee has been carried by humans to every continent except Antarctica. It is highly valued for its ability to produce large surpluses of honey and its adaptability to various management styles. This naturally leads to its status as the primary choice for commercial and hobbyist beekeepers alike.

Over time, you will begin to recognise that Apis mellifera is not a single uniform bee but a collection of many different races or subspecies. Each race has evolved unique physical and behavioural traits to survive in its specific original environment. For a beginner, the key point is that these traits—such as winter hardiness, honey production, and temperament—will directly affect your daily beekeeping experience. Understanding these differences allows you to choose a bee that matches your goals and your local weather patterns.

Common Races for Beginners

The Italian bee, known as Apis mellifera ligustica, is perhaps the most popular choice for new beekeepers due to its gentle nature. These bees are light-coloured, often showing bright yellow bands on their abdomens, which makes them easy to spot against the dark comb. They are known for building up their populations very quickly in the spring and maintaining large colonies throughout the summer. In practice, this means you can expect a productive season, though you must ensure they have plenty of food during the winter, as they do not reduce their numbers as much as other races.

The Carniolan bee, or Apis mellifera carnica, offers a different set of advantages, particularly for those in cooler climates. These bees are darker in colour, often appearing almost black with greyish hairs, which helps them absorb heat more efficiently on chilly mornings. They are exceptionally gentle and have a unique ability to rapidly expand or contract their population based on the availability of flowers. This naturally leads to a bee that is very efficient with its winter stores, though they are also more prone to swarming when their hive becomes crowded.

Regional and Specialised Bees

In some parts of the world, beekeepers work with the Caucasian bee, Apis mellifera caucasica, which is famous for its long tongue. This physical trait allows the bee to reach nectar in deep flowers, such as red clover, that other bees might ignore. They are known for being very calm on the comb and for their heavy use of propolis, a sticky bee glue made from tree resins. Over time, you will begin to recognise their hives by the thick layers of dark resin they use to seal every crack and reduce the hive entrance for winter protection.

For a beginner, the key point regarding specialised hybrids, like the Buckfast bee, is that they are bred for specific performance goals. These bees are the result of careful crosses intended to maximise honey production and disease resistance while maintaining a gentle disposition. While they can be excellent producers, their offspring in future generations may lose these controlled traits if they mate with local wild drones. This naturally leads many beginners to start with an established race that is already well-adapted to their specific region.

The Eastern Honey Bee (Apis cerana)

In many parts of Asia, the Eastern honey bee, Apis cerana, is the traditional choice for hive-based beekeeping. This species is smaller than its Western cousin and has evolved alongside many regional pests and predators. They are exceptionally hardy and possess a natural ability to defend themselves against hornets and certain types of parasitic mites. For a beginner in Asia, the key point is that these bees are often flightier and may decide to leave their hive, or abscond, if they feel the environment is no longer favourable.

In practice, this means that managing Apis cerana requires a gentle touch and a deep understanding of local floral cycles. They do not store as much honey as Apis mellifera, but they are excellent at foraging on a wide variety of small, local flowers. Because they are native to their environment, they require very little in the way of chemical treatments or intensive feeding. Over time, you will begin to recognise the steady, resilient nature of these bees as they navigate the unique challenges of a tropical or subtropical landscape.

Wild Honey Bee Species

There are also honey bee species that cannot be kept in traditional hives because they naturally build a single, large comb in the open air. The giant honeybee, Apis dorsata, is a powerful insect that builds massive combs suspended from high tree branches or cliff faces. These bees are migratory and will move their entire colony many miles to follow the blooming of forest trees. For a beginner, the key point is to respect these wild neighbours from a distance, as they are highly defensive and play a vital role in pollinating the forest canopy.

On the other end of the scale is the dwarf honeybee, Apis florea, which is much smaller and builds a tiny comb around a single twig. These bees are often found in low bushes or gardens and are generally very docile unless their nest is disturbed. They produce only small amounts of honey, but they are fascinating to observe, as they represent a more ancient form of honeybeelife. This naturally leads to an appreciation for the broad spectrum of bee biology that exists beyond the confines of a managed apiary.

Summary

Choosing the right honey bee involves understanding the distinct characteristics of different species and races. The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the global standard for beekeeping, with various races like the Italian and Carniolan offering different benefits in terms of temperament and climate adaptation. In Asia, the native Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) provides a hardy alternative for local beekeepers. While wild species like the Giant and Dwarf honey bees cannot be hived, they remain essential parts of the ecosystem. By selecting a bee that fits your local environment, you set the foundation for a healthy and productive hive.

References

• Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO): Beekeeping in Asia. This resource details the biological differences and management requirements for Apis cerana and other Asian honey bee species.

URL: http://www.fao.org/3/x0083e/x0083e02.htm (pages 1–12)

• Pennsylvania State University: Beekeeping Basics. This manual provides a practical guide to the different races of Apis mellifera and how to choose the right one for a beginning apiary.

URL: https://extension.psu.edu/beekeeping-basics (page 19)

• Peace Corps: Small-Scale Beekeeping. This comprehensive guide covers the global distribution of honey bee species and the traits that make certain bees suitable for small-scale management.