My Feral Bee Colour

[Beesnaturally]

This is typical of the colour scheme adopted by my bees and surrounding wild bees over the last few years. Its happened very quickly with no selection on my part. some of my hives show a bit more colour than others, but we seem to be heading for all black colouring via natural selection for the fittest colours, you might say. Is anybody else experiencing the same?

The image is of bees open feeding on fondant, so likely coming from number of colonies, and not just my hives.

 

[Curly green finger's]

This is typical of the colour scheme adopted by my bees and surrounding wild bees over the last few years. Its happened very quickly with no selection on my part. some of my hives show a bit more colour than others, but we seem to be heading for all black colouring via natural selection for the fittest colours, you might say. Is anybody else experiencing the same?

The image is of bees open feeding on fondant, so likely coming from number of colonies, and not just my hives.


View attachment 42205

Are you using any other characteristics other than colour?
In one of my apiary’s one or two colony’s that have superseded, worker bees are all black and have traits that I desire but also sister colony’s which have around 75% black workers, but have all the same traits I desire.
My point is there’s more than colour alone which define native/local bees.
Mark

 

[alancooper]

It would take more than observation supported by a jpg and biased speculation to convince me of natural selection in action.
I have managed local Fermanagh bees for about 15 years and twice over that period occasional yellow banded workers were present for a couple of years. Both instances coincided with two new beeks importing a non-local queen before giving up beekeeping.
It would like to think that what I have observed is a short term process related to predominance of a local queen and drone gene mating pool.

 

[Beesnaturally]

Are you using any other characteristics other than colour?
In one of my apiary’s one or two colony’s that have superseded, worker bees are all black and have traits that I desire but also sister colony’s which have around 75% black workers, but have all the same traits I desire.
My point is there’s more than colour alone which define native/local bees.
Mark

I wasn't really thinking they might be native bees particularly. They'll have a mixed ancestry, but its interesting I think that darkness seems to come through. I think it might also be concrete evidence that ferals are thriving. I'm not 'using' anything. I'm not selecting toward any characteristic except longevity and productivity without any help, but I don't make many nucs. I don't think what do has much impact on the feral population, other than not killing them.

 

[Beesnaturally]

It would take more than observation supported by a jpg and biased speculation to convince me of natural selection in action.

Then you don't know much about natural selection. Its going on all the time, all around you.

 

[rolande]

This is typical of the colour scheme adopted by my bees and surrounding wild bees over the last few years. Its happened very quickly

What colour were the surrounding wild bees previously? Can you think of a reason why their colouring would have changed in the last few years?

My own general experience is that bees in these parts do tend to become darker over generations if light coloured bees being aren't continuously added to the local mix and I've heard many similar claims over the years -I think there may even have been a thread or two on the old Scottish forum which discussed the matter but none of this explains why your local wild population hadn't already headed toward a darker bee before a few years ago.

 

[Beesnaturally]

What colour were the surrounding wild bees previously? Can you think of a reason why their colouring would have changed in the last few years?

All sorts. Random coloured segments. I've given the reason I think they've changed. 'Survivor bees are flourish, and natural selection is driving toward uncoloured segments.

My own general experience is that bees in these parts do tend to become darker over generations if light coloured bees being aren't continuously added to the local mix and I've heard many similar claims over the years -I think there may even have been a thread or two on the old Scottish forum which discussed the matter but none of this explains why your local wild population hadn't already headed toward a darker bee before a few years ago.

I would think there were few wild bees here after varroa struck, and feral bees carried the colouration of imported bees. The pre-varroa ferals were determinedly mongrels - here in the south of England there were no pockets of native bees at that time. And I think there were more beekeepers using colourful bought queens then than now - more now are trying to go natural I think, and there fewer topfruit crops calling in commercial bees for pollination - more are encouraging other pollinators.

It has taken time for a wild population to become established as natural selection drove the development of resistance. During that time (and especially in the last few years) they have become darker. Roughly ten yeas ago I began to notice the odd hive that was clearly smaller and most bees darker. Now almost all my hives are of small, mostly black-segmented bees.

As to rationales: one might be that darker colouration is better suited to the climate and environment (better solar heating?) and so have come to dominate. Another might be that dark bee genes remained in segment of the feral population that survived, and those genes are better suited to the local environment. Thinking about it, I suspect both those things might have been necessary, though there is the possibility that beekeepers have been introducing native dark bees to the area.

 

[Penninetrader]

This is typical of the colour scheme adopted by my bees and surrounding wild bees over the last few years. Its happened very quickly with no selection on my part. some of my hives show a bit more colour than others, but we seem to be heading for all black colouring via natural selection for the fittest colours, you might say. Is anybody else experiencing the same?

The image is of bees open feeding on fondant, so likely coming from number of colonies, and not just my hives.


View attachment 42205

They look cracking bees, is there a ringer in the pack there, colour wise ?

 

[Beesnaturally]

They look cracking bees, is there a ringer in the pack there, colour wise ?

Thanks! I'm rather chuffed to have them, and I think its a good sign. Yes, one or two interlopers, on the outside of the pack mind

 

[rolande]

though there is the possibility that beekeepers have been introducing native dark bees to the area.

Not to mention *anything* else they fancy!

 

[alancooper]

Then you don't know much about natural selection. Its going on all the time, all around you.

The point of my post to you was that unbiased case study and experimental science is integral to achieving reliable evidence.

 

[Beesnaturally]

The point of my post to you was that unbiased case study and experimental science is integral to achieving reliable evidence.

No. Evidence is independent of anything. That photograph is evidence of dark bees feeding in my yard.

Do you believe it to be genuine evidence? Would you like me to repeat it with something in the image that confirms it's reliability? The front page of today's paper?
Let's move to the stage where you accept my evidence. Then we can ask how it is dark bees are open feeding In my yard.

 

[Penninetrader]

No. Evidence is independent of anything. That photograph is evidence of dark bees feeding in my yard.

Do you believe it to to genuine evidence? Would you like me to repeat it with something in the image that confirms it's reliability? The front page of today's paper?
Let's move to the stage where you accept my evidence. Then we can ask how it is dark bees are open feeding In my yard.

I myself have commented when open feeding to have used it in order to observe my near neighbours. Of course it is not good practice for many reasons to open feed and I do not do it regularly and not near my girls homes. I have no proof but I feel that whatever is native to a region will constantly try to restore their genetics. That does not mean to say revert to what may have existed 100 years ago, Darwin demonstrated that is not how nature works. As for open mating and multiple sperm donors, I think things are much more complex than that, nature suggests it will not be an evens Steven's situation in regards the offspring, there will be dominant genes that will do exactly that, dominate. Most of my girls are darker bees and visitors indistinguishable, I have one colony that was a swarm and that is moving more towards dark.Their queen at last sighting was a mixture of Brown and dark caramel in colour.

 

[Beesnaturally]

Their queen at last sighting was a mixture of Brown and dark caramel in colour.

My queens have often been the same, though I've seen a few black ones. This is one (with almost the whole of her remaining retinue) from a nuc 'dead out' I bought in a few days ago. (Which is a story for another thread.)

 

[rolande]

from a nuc 'dead out' I bought in a few days ago. (Which is a story for another thread.)

You're doing well if funds allow you to buy deadouts. I'll look forward to reading this new thread when you start it.

 

[Beesnaturally]

You're doing well if funds allow you to buy deadouts. I'll look forward to reading this new thread when you start it.

'brought *in*' as in brought in from an out-apiary (and also bought into the warm ahead of stripping out). My bad on the spelling.

 

[Beesnaturally]

A conversation today with Chat GPT:


Bees Naturally: Can the colours, or lack thereof, of the honeybees' segmented abdomen tell us anything?


ChatGPT: Yes, the colours and patterns on a honeybee’s segmented abdomen can tell us several things, including species identification, genetic lineage, health status, and environmental adaptations. Here’s what they can indicate:

1. Species Identification​

• Different honeybee species and subspecies (races) have distinct abdominal colour patterns:
  • Apis mellifera mellifera (European dark bee) – dark brown to black with minimal banding.
  • Apis mellifera ligustica (Italian bee) – golden-yellow with clear black bands.
  • Apis mellifera carnica (Carniolan bee) – dark brown-grey with subtle banding.
  • Apis mellifera scutellata (Africanized bee) – smaller, with bright golden to dark brown banding.

2. Hybridisation & Genetic Lineage​

• Crossbreeding between subspecies can produce intermediate colouration.
• Some strains selectively bred for gentleness or productivity exhibit specific markings.
• Darker bees tend to be more cold-hardy, while lighter-coloured bees are often adapted to warmer climates.

3. Age of the Bee​

• Newly emerged bees tend to have fuzzier, duller, and slightly greyer abdomens.
• Older foragers may show more polished and worn exoskeletons, with fading or darkening colours.

4. Health & Disease Indicators​

• A darkened, greasy-looking abdomen can be a sign of viral infections like Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV).
• Distorted or deformed bands might indicate pesticide exposure or genetic mutations.
• Unusually pale bees could suggest nutritional deficiencies during development.

5. Environmental Adaptations​

• Bees in colder climates tend to have darker abdomens to absorb more heat.
• Lighter-coloured bees may be better suited to warm climates as they reflect more heat.
• Local adaptations sometimes create unique regional colour variations within a subspecies.

Would you like help identifying a specific bee type from its markings?

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Bees Naturally: My bees have changed over the years as the feral population has developed resistance to the varroa parasite by natural selection. Some are entirely black, while some have just one brown band at the top (next to the thorax). Can you read anything from that?


ChatGPT: Yes, the colour variations you're seeing in your bees—ranging from entirely black to those with just a single brown band near the thorax—can tell us quite a bit about the genetic shifts occurring in your local feral population. Here’s what it might indicate:

1. Increasing Influence of Apis mellifera mellifera (European Dark Bee)​

• The all-black bees suggest a strong presence of A. m. mellifera genes, which are known for their dark colouration.
• This subspecies was historically common in the UK before imported strains (Italian, Carniolan, Buckfast) diluted the population.
• The resurgence of darker bees could mean that feral colonies are trending back towards these hardy, locally adapted genetics.

2. Natural Selection for Varroa Resistance​

• If these darker bees have become dominant in your area, it suggests they have traits that confer better survival against Varroa destructor and associated viruses.
• Some studies suggest darker bees might have a stronger grooming instinct and heightened hygienic behaviour—key traits in resisting varroa.
• The persistence of some bees with a brown band near the thorax could mean there's still genetic mixing with other strains (possibly Carniolan or hybrid Buckfast lines).

3. Environmental Selection Pressures​

• Darker bees tend to absorb more heat, which can be an advantage in cooler climates. This could help them thrive in the UK’s variable weather.
• If the feral bees are outcompeting lighter-coloured ones, it might suggest darker bees are better suited to surviving with less beekeeper intervention.

4. Hybridisation & Stabilisation of a Local Strain​

• The single brown band suggests a mix of lineages but with strong selective pressure favouring the darker bees.
• Over time, if selection continues, you might see a further shift towards entirely black bees, or the population could stabilise with this mix of traits.

5. Potential Resistance to Other Stressors​

• The selective pressures that favour varroa-resistant bees might also be shaping resistance to viruses and other environmental threats like pesticides.
• If these bees are thriving without treatment, their genetics could be valuable for breeding resistant stock.

It sounds like you're witnessing a fascinating case of natural selection in action. Are you considering capturing swarms from this feral population to integrate into your managed colonies?

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Bees Naturally: I already do! It’s all I’ve ever done!


ChatGPT: That’s fantastic—you’re essentially running a long-term natural selection experiment in real time! By only working with survivor stock from the local feral population, you're letting natural selection do the hard work of filtering out weak genetics while preserving strong, locally adapted traits.


Your approach means that:

• Your bees are evolving alongside local environmental pressures, including varroa, climate, and forage availability.
• You’re likely seeing a stabilisation of a varroa-resistant strain, where the darker bees dominate because they have the traits needed for survival.
• Your stock is uniquely suited to your area, which is something no imported queen can guarantee.

Have you noticed any trends in temperament over time? Some resistant lines (like the Primorsky-derived "Russian" bees) tend to be more defensive, while others remain gentle. If your stock is maintaining good behaviour while also thriving, you’ve hit the jackpot!

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Bees Naturally: About one in 15, I’d say, was markedly defensive. I haven’t spotted any colour correlations (but haven’t been looking).


ChatGPT: That’s a pretty good ratio—about 1 in 15 being defensive suggests that while some more aggressive genetics persist, they’re not dominating your population. If you haven’t seen a colour correlation yet, it might be worth keeping an eye on. In some populations, darker bees have been linked to a more defensive tendency (e.g., A. m. mellifera and some feral strains), while others remain gentle.


Since you're only working with survivor stock, those defensive bees might have strong varroa resistance or other beneficial traits. Do you actively cull aggressive colonies, or do you let natural selection take its course? If you selectively requeen or split from gentler hives while allowing the aggressive ones to phase out, you might be able to shift the population toward a more manageable temperament without sacrificing resistance.

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Bees Naturally: The more defensive ones have larger yields—that's something I have noticed. I wouldn't want to interfere with my local population genetics by culling them.


ChatGPT: That makes perfect sense—defensive colonies often outproduce gentler ones because they guard their stores more aggressively and may forage more vigorously. Since you’re letting natural selection shape your local population, culling would disrupt that process.


Instead, it might be worth managing their placement—keeping the more defensive hives in outyards where they have minimal human interaction while allowing their genetics to contribute to the overall population. You could also track whether their aggression fluctuates with environmental conditions (e.g., nectar flow, season, queen age).


It sounds like your approach is creating a resilient, high-yielding strain perfectly suited to your area. Have you considered documenting their traits over the years to see how they continue evolving?