Possible Robbers? From a NewBee

[josbees]

Was sitting outside just watching the hive this afternoon.  Suddenly realized that most of the bees going in and out are bigger than my little Italians.  I thought at first they were drones, but now I'm not so sure.  They are about Drone size, but they have a set of back legs longer than the front that kind of drag behind them.  Not Wasps.  Honey Bee color.  Any ideas who they might be?

I don't actually know what to expect from a robbing situation.....

[Bill W.]

Low hanging legs are a pretty common feature of wasps, not so much of honey bees.

This is one of those cases where a picture would be worth a thousand words.

[EasternShore]

Even if your not sure, REDUCE HIVE ENTRANCE AT ONCE!!! 2-3 inches for a healthy 2 deep hive unless it's really hot.

Your girls should be able to protect it if you do. Do not open feed and if your useing boardmans stop for a bit if possible.
Good luck...
Mark
PS: Search Robbing for more info....

[rast]

 Drones are a lot noisier than field bees when theycome in also.