Burned/oily looking bees

Started by Helmuthd, July 18, 2011, 11:07:51 PM

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Helmuthd

July 18, 2011, 11:07:51 PM Last Edit: July 18, 2011, 11:25:41 PM by buzzbee
I did a hive inspection today and found about 7 bees that looked like they were burned and blackened.  They were still functioning, but at about 3/4 speed.  The only thing I can think of is that they landed in some bad chemicals while they were out and about.  Any thoughts?



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buzzbee

#1
July 18, 2011, 11:13:04 PM
Is it possible they were robbers? many times bees that have been robbing have their hairs worn off and look very black and kind of glossy.

AllenF

#2
July 18, 2011, 11:16:35 PM
Bees covered in honey?   When you were inspecting, some burr comb got opened I bet.

Helmuthd

#3
July 19, 2011, 01:28:32 AM
I dont think it can be robbers, the hive has been going for almost a year now... and I have two deep brood boxes with 2 honey supers on... they have a medium tempermentment. As for burr comb opening and getting honey on them...no burr comb.  One of the bees looked like it had been burned...its head looked like charcoal.  Hummm.....I dropped the funky looking ones on the grass, so I guess I will see what happens. no sign of mites...(thanks for posting the pic for me beemaster.)

rail

#4
July 19, 2011, 05:45:18 AM
Look similar to this bee???


Sirach

Tommyt

#5
July 19, 2011, 08:34:09 AM
Looks like you may have a few from a different hive
Maybe they are drifters,now are working for you.
I say this from the looks of the one center of your picture

Tommyt
"Not everything found on the internet is accurate"
Abraham Lincoln

Intheswamp

#6
July 19, 2011, 08:37:44 AM
Quote from: Tommyt on July 19, 2011, 08:34:09 AM
Looks like you may have a few from a different hive
Maybe they are drifters,now are working for you.
I say this from the looks of the one center of your picture

Tommyt
I got notified you had posted your post while I was studying over mine ;)

Looks like a totally different race of bees to me.  Very different markings.

Ed
www.beeweather.com 
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Scadsobees

#7
July 19, 2011, 02:43:59 PM
When I leave out honey to rob, the bees often fall in it and get covered in honey.  That is what those look like.  The one could just be a bit older, but the really wet looking one doesn't look like it could even fly, so I'd guess something happened in the hive.  Could be as simple as some nectar falling out of a frame during an inspection onto the bees.

When wet, the little fuzzy hairs disappear and the bees take on a whole different look, darker, oilyish, and the sugar sets it so that they stay looking that way for a while.
Rick

AllenF

#8
July 19, 2011, 04:55:02 PM
First pic, bee still looks covered in honey. 

AR Beekeeper

#9
July 19, 2011, 05:22:43 PM
They could have Chronic Paralysis Virus, some of mine have the same look when the colony starts to become stressed.  Usually I find them on the side frames and in the area closest to the entrance.
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