Anyone know of a producer that sells italian / caucasian cross package bees? Or anyone have experience working with this cross? ...Seems like it could be the best of all worlds- considering production, swarming, winter & mite hardiness, etc. I am aware of the midnight hybrid- but is there an italian cross equivelent? Thanks for the input!
Caucasians were popular back in the 50's & 60's but their popularity died out due to excessive burr comb and swarming tendencies. Those traits tended to carry over in a hybrid as well, at least in those I had experience with. The Caucasian were very docile bees but they took a lot of patience and more effort than the Italians. I would think a Caucasian/Black German bee would be a better hybrid and I believe it is that cross that resulted in the Russian or Carnolian bees.