Black Bee Swarm

[Brian Bush]

I have collected 3 swarms from other sources this year and several of my own.

I am very pleased with the collected swarms and have isolated them from my main apiary just in case.

Two were picked up in a similar area and I assume they have come from some other keeper who has battled with the wonderful Spring and its consequences.

The swarm i picked up on Friday came from about 15 miles away as the bee flies. It was a large swarm hanging about 12 ft up in a flimsy tree. My wife was having the vapours as I had to climb a set of steps and stand on the top to reach up and get them. (I have just had knee surgery!!)

I hived thes bees up on Friday. 14 X 12 brood box, 1 frame of brood and some syrup feed.

On visiting yesterday I noticed for the first time that they are almost completely black. Any ideas??

 

[jon]

Apis mellifera Mellifera or Carnica.

If they are Carnica there should be fairly wide brown bands visible.

 

[BKF Admin]

Both types,top pic is Carny,bottom pic is mellifera Mellifera:

 

[Brian Bush]

Both types,top pic is Carny,bottom pic is mellifera Mellifera:

Hi Admin

Thanks
Looks like mellifera. I thought we did not have any left??? Are they wild??

 

[Poly Hive]

YES we have AMM!

I get so fed up with this nonsense that they are extinct that is so widely believed. No thanks to Brother Adam who in my view lied repeatedly about them.

AMM is a serious survivor, is the native bee and will carry on being so.

I had over 80 colonies of them and the wing measurements to prove it.

AMM is alive and well just not that common in southern England.

PH