The bee
The different types/breeds of bees
Today, there are a multitude of breeds of domestic bees intended for beekeeping, some pure and others resulting from crossbreeding. They are distinguished by several criteria such as hairiness, nesting method, types of plants foraged, etc. So many varieties that a beekeeper would benefit from knowing before choosing the colony that will populate his apiary. We will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the most common farmed bees in France.
Abeilles noires: Apis mellifera mellifera
A very ancient breed, the black bee, also known as Apis mellifera mellifera or Apis mellifera mellifica, is of African origin. It is believed to have arrived in Europe via the Strait of Gibraltar.
Today, it is the most popular breed in France, with remarkable biological diversity.
Indeed, its ecotypes (varieties) extend across the whole country (Normandy, Brittany, Loiret, Landes, Corsica, Île-de-France, Savoie, Champagne, Auvergne, Highlands, Provence, Cévennes, Hainaut and Languedoc).
The dark honeybee (Apis mellifera mellifera or Apis mellifera mellifica) is a subspecies of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). This bee is commonly used in beekeeping in Europe for the production of honey.
It is highly valued by French beekeepers because it overwinters remarkably well, even in cold winters. It is disease-resistant, has a good lifespan, and adapts well to its habitat.
It can be criticized for its sometimes aggressive behavior and its somewhat slow development at the end of winter. Also, its short tongue prevents it from foraging in flowers with a deep corolla.
It is a local and versatile bee, particularly adapted to mountain climates which will appeal to amateurs and professionals alike.