7 Honey Bee Breeds + FREE eBook
Honey bees may all look similar, but each breed has a unique set of character traits. Beekeepers have a much greater chance of success if they choose a strain of bees suitable for their hive.
This guide looks at some common bee breeds along with their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
1. Italian Honey Bee
Scientific name: Apis mellifera ligustica
Subspecies of Western honey bee.
Popular, gentle, hard-working, prolific queen.
Italian bees are the most popular race of honey bee worldwide. Their stock are highly adaptable and can survive a range of conditions. They are found in all types of climates, from temperate to tropical.
Italian bees are gentle and easy to manage. They’re excellent for beginner beekeepers who don’t want the stress of aggressive, stinging bees. Keep in mind a beekeeping suit and smoker are still recommended, even if they are a docile race.
The Italian bee is excellent at gathering nectar and pollen and will build large hives with lots of honey. Italians are also very good at keeping their hives clean and tidy. However, they need a lot of pollen and honey to survive the cold winter months and are prone to drifting and swarming.