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Black bee identification #869057

Asked May 18, 2024, 7:34 PM EDT

I started a new hive with a purchased nuc. I can identify one type as a honey bee but not a black bee also in the hive.

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Both are clearly honey bees, Apis mellifera. Some strains of bees can be all black (e.g. Russian, German bees, or Carniolan bees) but yours here are black with some white hairs in between.  it is more likely to be a hybrid of between Italian bees (the one on the right) and one type of those dark bees I mentioned earlier.      Zachary

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 20, 2024, 9:58 PM EDT

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!  I WAS CONCERNED I HAD AN INFESTATION!  AND I APPRECIATE THE EDUCATION THAT BEES CAN CROSS BREED AND PRODUCE HYBRIDS.  SO FAR, THIS HIVE IS DOCILE.  I AM EXCITED TO SEE HOW THEIR HONEY PRODUCTION IS. 

 

DISCLAIMER. I AM NOT YELLING AT YOU.  I AM DYSLEXIC AND CAPITAL LETTERS MAKES IT EASIER FOR ME TO COMMUNICATE.

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DANKE, DZIĘKUJĘ CI, GRACIAS, GRAZIE, MERCI, THANK YOU, 謝謝, ありがとうございました, CẢM ƠN BẠN, يعطيك العافية, תודה רבה

Ms Mari E. Petey

General Motors

Maintenance Planner

2100 Burlingame Ave SW

Wyoming, MI 49509

 

616.304.1448

 

 

 

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The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2024, 6:13 AM EDT

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