Only been keeping bees a few years. I know there are different types of honey bees. We have one hive that all appear to have huge honeybees. At first I thought they were all drones, but the drones are even bigger than the girls! Even the babies are big! And this hive is a bit more "fussy" than the other 5 we have. I always wear a veil around this group.
I believe (but can't swear) that this hive came from Betterbee. We have had it for 3 years now. Is there an easy way to determine type of bee? Do I need to?
Peg
Do a Google you can find pictures of the breeds.
" Even the babies look big "
There are no " baby bees", bees are born fully grown !
The hardening of the exoskelton and fluffing out of the hairs within a few hours can make them look a tad larger. [ Source- Hive Management p. 52 ]
Bee-Bop
Quote from: Bee-Bop on July 03, 2009, 09:55:11 AM
Do a Google you can find pictures of the breeds.
Bee-Bop
Then a few links won't be difficult. My Google searches have beeen unproductive in this area.
Quote from: Bee-Bop on July 03, 2009, 09:55:11 AM
" Even the babies look big "
There are no " baby bees", bees are born fully grown !
Bee-Bop
Someone forgot to tell my bees this. I have bees within the same hive that are quite a bit different in size, but are marked the same. And the stings are quite a bit differet as well. The "younger" bees I've been stung and not felt it at all - had I not been watching, I wouldn't have known it. Others have felt like molten lead being poured on my arm. We've been attributing this to the age and development of the venom.
>Is there an easy way to determine type of bee? Do I need to?
No need to know. Most probably a mix after open mating anyway. As long as you are fond of them --- they be keepers ;)!