Italian / caucasian hybrid?

[charlotte]

Anyone know of a producer that sells italian / caucasian cross package bees?  Or anyone have experience working with this cross?  ...Seems like it could be the best of all worlds- considering production, swarming, winter & mite hardiness, etc.  I am aware of the midnight hybrid- but is there an italian cross equivelent?  Thanks for the input!

[Brian D. Bray]

Caucasians were popular back in the 50's & 60's but their popularity died out due to excessive burr comb and swarming tendencies.  Those traits tended to carry over in a hybrid as well, at least in those I had experience with.  The Caucasian were very docile bees but they took a lot of patience and more effort than the Italians.  I would think a Caucasian/Black German bee would be a better hybrid and I believe it is that cross that resulted in the Russian or Carnolian bees.