Russian honey bee

The honeybees from the Primorsky Krai, region of eastern Russia belong to the species Apis mellifera. The Russion honeybees have evolved traits of natural mite resistance due to heavy selection pressures. They have lived for more than 150 years in a region that is home to the varroa mite and the tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi).

In 1997, the USDA's Honeybee Breeding, Genetics & Physiology Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA imported the Russian bees to North America.

The Russian bee resembles the dark Carniolan strain. They use less propolis than typical Italian honey bees do. They are not prone stinging. The bees show exceptional winter hardiness, small winter cluster, and a high nectar haul per bee. They are more apt to building queen cells throughout the brood season and may have a higher tendency to swarm.

External links

• THE RUSSIAN BEE PROJECT Pilgrim Honey House, Canada 2005