What are the characteristics of the European dark bee? A comprehensive analysis of its main features
What characteristics does the European dark bee have
(Agricultural Wealth Network) The European dark bee originated in the vast areas of Europe north of the Alps. It is relatively large in size with a broad abdomen. Its chitin is uniformly black, and some individuals have brownish-yellow spots on the dorsal plates of abdominal segments 2 to 3; the thorax fuzz of drones is dark brown, sometimes black.
The egg-laying capacity and rearing capacity of the European dark bee are both inferior to those of the Italian bee. Colony strength develops slowly in spring, but it can develop into a strong colony after summer. It has weak swarming tendency and strong foraging ability, and can utilize scattered nectar sources, but because its proboscis is relatively short, its ability to utilize nectar plants with longer corollas is poor. It saves feed, and starvation rarely occurs when nectar conditions are poor; it overwinters well and is suitable for being kept in colder places. It has strong orientation ability, is not easily lost from the hive, and is not prone to robbing.
The disadvantages of the European dark bee are: it is fierce in temperament, photophobic, and prone to stinging people. When frames are lifted for inspection, it often becomes agitated on the comb, making feeding and management inconvenient, and it is susceptible to larval diseases and damage by wax moths. Because the European dark bee has a fierce temperament, it is not suitable for the needs of modern beekeeping, and in many areas it has already been crossbred with Italian bees, Carniolan bees, or Caucasian bees, or has been completely replaced by them.
The egg-laying capacity and rearing capacity of the European dark bee are both inferior to those of the Italian bee. Colony strength develops slowly in spring, but it can develop into a strong colony after summer. It has weak swarming tendency and strong foraging ability, and can utilize scattered nectar sources, but because its proboscis is relatively short, its ability to utilize nectar plants with longer corollas is poor. It saves feed, and starvation rarely occurs when nectar conditions are poor; it overwinters well and is suitable for being kept in colder places. It has strong orientation ability, is not easily lost from the hive, and is not prone to robbing.
The disadvantages of the European dark bee are: it is fierce in temperament, photophobic, and prone to stinging people. When frames are lifted for inspection, it often becomes agitated on the comb, making feeding and management inconvenient, and it is susceptible to larval diseases and damage by wax moths. Because the European dark bee has a fierce temperament, it is not suitable for the needs of modern beekeeping, and in many areas it has already been crossbred with Italian bees, Carniolan bees, or Caucasian bees, or has been completely replaced by them.