My Mutts

[biggraham610]

I Love the Obviously 3 different color patterns on this hive of mutts. I am assuming that the darker ones are feral genetics. The Original Hive they swarmed from were from Italians last year. Any Ideas? G

[capt44]

It could be the lighter colored bees are younger and have more body hair.
The darker ones could be older bees, guards, foragers, etc. and lost a lot of their body hair making them look darker.
Just a suggestion.

[BlueBee]

Yep, it looks like your queen mated with a variety of drones. 

I haven't bought any queens in many years so all my bees are mutts, swarms, and ferals.  Some tend to be predominately Italian colors, others predominately dark Carni like colors and others are just all mixed up like yours.  As TBeek says, local bees are best.

[10framer]

yeah, you've got mutts.  that's what i've got.

[biggraham610]

They are powerhouses I know that, stronger than any of my other hives. Building and filling fast. G