8- European Dark Bee: Cold-Resistant and Native to Northern Europe

• Scientific Name: Apis mellifera mellifera
• Origin: Northern Europe
• Appearance: Dark and large body, abundant hairs on the thorax
• Behavioral Characteristics: Slightly aggressive and prone to aggression, higher tendency to swarm, weaker hygienic behavior
• Honey Production Ability: Suitable
• Other Features: High cold resistance, shorter tongue length

General Introduction

The European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera), also known as the European black bee, is a subspecies of the western honey bee. This species evolved in Central Asia and its origin dates back to the Tian Shan Mountains. After the last ice age, this bee migrated eastward and then to Northern Europe, spreading in these areas since 9000 BC. The natural range of this species includes the Southern Urals in Russia and extends to Northern Europe and the Pyrenees. In the past, these bees were known as German black bees, but now they are called British black bees, Irish native honey bees, or Nordic brown bees in many regions.

Appearance of the European Dark Bee

Apis mellifera mellifera is distinguished from other subspecies by its large size, cylindrical body, abundant hairs on the thorax, and overall dark coloration. This bee has a black or dark brown appearance, and its color is derived from the dark hairs covering its abdomen. The tongue length of these bees is shorter than that of other subspecies, and this feature directly affects their performance in nectar collection.

Behavior and Personality Traits

This subspecies is derived from the "M" lineage of honey bees and generally exhibits more aggressive behavior than the "C" lineages. Apis mellifera mellifera bees have a higher tendency to swarm, which can make colony management difficult for beekeepers. Nervous behavior and a tendency to attack are prominent features of this species. Furthermore, extensive research has shown that these bees exhibit weaker hygienic behavior compared to other subspecies, which reduces their resistance to Varroa mites and other diseases.

Limitations and Disadvantages

The European dark bee faces several challenges. Some of these challenges include increased susceptibility to brood diseases, a genetic structure that tends to inbreed near apiaries, which can lead to increased aggression in later generations. Also, due to their short tongue and large size, these bees cannot easily access the nectar of small and deep flowers.

Research on Non-Hybridization

Research conducted in Poland in 2013 showed that virgin Apis mellifera mellifera queens have a lower tendency to mate with non-conspecific drones. This was also confirmed in research conducted in Ireland. Hypotheses have been proposed in this regard, but the exact reason for this behavior has not yet been determined.

Status in the United States

In the United States, genetic analyzes have shown that the DNA related to the "M" lineage of honey bees, including Apis mellifera mellifera, is still found in the wild populations of some states. This goes back to the bees that entered these areas more than 100 years ago.

Conservation Efforts

Various organizations in Europe and other countries around the world are working to create protected areas for the maintenance and breeding of European dark bees. These programs include training beekeepers, using morphometric techniques to determine breed purity, and preventing the introduction of foreign breeds into these areas.