Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: T.Smith on November 29, 2008, 11:38:21 PM

Title: what species of bees
Post by: T.Smith on November 29, 2008, 11:38:21 PM
Hello,    I ran across someones apiary and was looking at their set up.  I couldnt help but notice that their bees were a distinct yellow in color. My minnesota hygenics arent this color. Anyone know what species or breed of honeybee this might be.   Thanks
Title: Re: what species of bees
Post by: Brian D. Bray on November 29, 2008, 11:44:54 PM
Quote from: T.Smith on November 29, 2008, 11:38:21 PM
Hello,    I ran across someones apiary and was looking at their set up.  I couldnt help but notice that their bees were a distinct yellow in color. My minnesota hygenics arent this color. Anyone know what species or breed of honeybee this might be.   Thanks

Probably those nasty old Golden Italians that have been around forever.
Title: Re: what species of bees
Post by: Michael Bush on November 30, 2008, 10:39:12 AM
The ones that appear the brightest yellow are the Cordovan Italians.  They are a coloring, not a variety nor a race nor a species, just a coloring of Apis millifera ligustica and have a pruplish brown color where black normally is.  In other words, no black on them.  They tend to be a particular strain (although in theory it's just a color) and tend to be brood rearing fools.  You see them a lot in packages for this reason, regardless of the race of the queen.
Title: Re: what species of bees
Post by: T.Smith on November 30, 2008, 08:40:09 PM
thanks