hairless backs

[Mici]

so, what's the cause of this situation, i'm seeing quite a few bees without hair on their backs, but only backs so..i doubt these would be robber bees. some are completely hairless-still only back, and some are missing only a patch, i thought about mites but, none of these bees seem to carry one, plus i haven't notice this situation on drones so..probably isn't cause of mites.

any suggestions?

[Cindi]

Mici, I seem to remember something about this appearance of bees.  But I honestly cannot bring it to the forefront of my memory.  But it may be a disease, do not take this as truth, but I remember something about black, shiny, greasy looking bees, and I remember it was not good.  Why don't you google "nosema", the hairlessness may be a symptom of it.  Check it out.

Please wait for answers from other forum members that may have a good explanation that would help you out more.  I know that robber bees do become quite hairless and black looking, because they are fighting so much to get into hives, but I don't think that this sounds like your case.  Have a great day, Cindi

[doak]

Cindi has it, It has something to do with a paralysis but can't rember how it goes. If I rember they said to requeen as soon as posiable. I think it has to do with genes.
doak

[Scadsobees]

Old bees, like people, also often lose their hair as they age and break them off.  Often accompanied by slightly ragged, worn out wings.

Rick

[Mici]

i read about symptoms of nosema...not even close.

just old bees? don't think so either, because..either she has all hair or a missing patch on her back. if it was age the hair would fall out somewhat evenly.

[doak]

Google this.
Honey Bee paralysis
doak

[Mici]

symptoms are not even closely consisting.

Bees affected by this disease tremble uncontrollably and are unable to fly. In addition, they lose the hair from their bodies and have a dark, shiny, or greasy appearance. Paralytic bees are submissive to attack. When paralysis is serious, large numbers of afflicted bees can be found at the colony entrance, crawling up the sides of the hive and blades of grass, and tumbling to the ground. Healthy bees often tug at infected bees in an effort to drive them away from the hive. Affected bees also may be found on top bars or frames next to the hive cover with wings extended.

-they're flying normaly and aren't trembeling
-obviusly they are not "misstreated" by their sisters
-they're not of greasy appearence, just without a patch of hair on their back
-ummm, healthy hives?

[doak]

Depending on how many drones the queen mated with, it is possible one of the drones had, or didn't have the gene that has to do with the hair.
There will be a make up of difference in the worker bees as to each drone the queen mated with.
May not be nothing to worry about but keep an eye on them.
doak

[Scadsobees]

I just installed an observation hive.  The glass was too close to the wax, and they are working on adjusting that, but in the meantime they've been squeezing through.  They all wore a round patch off their back, a nice neat circle.

I see a few hairless ones every now and then, and they don't seem to be a problem.

Rick

[Mici]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Scadsobees you managed to unfold the mistery! HA, queen excludor, has to be it! would have never thought about it!, thanks!

[doak]

I've seen hairless bees in hives where excluders were never used.
doak

[Mici]

i believe you but in my case..i'm almost sure this is the reason.