Mellifera, virgin

Apis mellifera mellifera (European Dark Honey Bee) queens are naturally mated daughters of our instrumentally inseminated queens, whose genetic stock originates from Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Preserving this honey bee is influenced by the rarity of the genetic material and the complex, often nearly impossible, task of acquiring new breeding stock. Therefore, when a beekeeper purchases Mellifera queens from us, they also become a guardian of valuable genetic material, preventing the European Dark Honey Bee from becoming a mere historical reference. Beekeeping with the European Dark Honey Bee differs significantly from working with other honey bee races: it requires more attention, meticulous care, composure, and inner calm on the part of the beekeeper.

Mellifera Bee Colonies:

• Winter well with moderate feed consumption.
• Can be restless during inspections: they move quickly (sometimes described as “shimmering”), run to the edges of the comb, and may form a cloud of bees around your hands.
• May become aggressive if inspections are lengthy.
• Timely hive expansion and regular monitoring are essential to prevent swarming.
• Colonies are relatively small, with the most rapid development occurring in mid-summer.
• Suitable for late nectar flows or areas with fewer nectar-producing plants.
• More sensitive to Varroa mites, so timely treatment is necessary.
• Brood is arranged compactly, with pollen and nectar stored adjacent to the brood area.
• Excellent in dearth years. In poorer apiaries and in bad seasons (unfavourable weather, poor forage, little to no nectar flow), they are very self-sufficient, resilient, and more productive than Buckfast, Carnica, or Ligustica.