Is this a mongrel

[sbisme]

Just checked a Nuc and this was running around, is it a honey bee?

 

[chrisb]

got some just like that.. lol given the tatty wings polished thorax and bum looks like one of the old girls

 

[masterBK]

That bee is suffering from viral chronic paralysis syndrome 2.In response to her behavioural changes her sister workers have nibbled off her hairs making her shiny and chewed her wings. Suggest you read up about chronic paralysis. Changing the queen for one from unrelated source will alter the susceptibility of the workers to the virus. Can spread via broken bristles so more common in congested colonies

 

[sbisme]

Thanks masterBK looks like you are spot on, just read up on Type 2 Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus and that bee has all the symptoms, only spotted the one but will keep an eye out for further bees with the same.

 

[BernardBlack]

What's the deal with bees with biege coloured on it's back? Noticed a couple coming and going. Normal enough?

 

[bpmurray]

What's the deal with bees with biege coloured on it's back? Noticed a couple coming and going. Normal enough?

Probably pollen

 

[enrico]

Balsam pollen......probably. Do you have balsam in the area?

 

[BernardBlack]

Balsam pollen......probably. Do you have balsam in the area?

Not sure. This seems to be just part of the bee though rather than something just attached.

 

[Swarm]

Not sure. This seems to be just part of the bee though rather than something just attached.

Take a closer look, if it's a sort of hour glass shape on the bees thorax it's Balsam pollen.

 

[fatshark]

Sbisme ... check in front of the hive for a pile of corpses as well. Often smelly. Classic CBPV symptoms.

 

[sbisme]

Fatshark had a look and no corpses but will keep a look out thanks