Can you tell me what this is?

[Cyrus Brewster]

I went out to take a look at my hives this afternoon. I have 6 langs (3 are nucs) and one KTB hive. There was normal traffic, but at the top bar hive I notices a large number of bees with what looked like a white stripe right behind the head on the thorax. It looked like white fuzz. This is the first time I have seen this. Does this indicate any type of disease or could it be pollen? The marking was identical on those who had it. I checked all the other hives and did not see this. I have not looked inside due to weather, but will tomorrow.

Thanks,

[Dave W]

Yes, it's pollen.

[bhfury]

I know you stated throax, but did you ever consider it to be wax? The wax glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen.

[Cyrus Brewster]

No, this was on the back of the bees just behind the head.

[Dave W]

>right behind the head on the thorax . . .
It's pollen!

[bhfury]

Yep - pollen

[Oldbee]

It may be pollen from Spotted Jewelweed or Touch-me-not [Impatiens capensis]. It grows in lowland areas near the edge of woods or along stream banks; in shade or partial sun. It is blooming here now, and I see bees coming into the hive with these white stripes. Bumble bees and hummingbirds visit the flowers, but also honey bees. Interesting plant.

Some good photos [#3 to #10] and an explanation here: "Here's what the bee looks like when it's working the jewelweed. It took me a few weeks to figure this out. At the hives, I'd see bees coming in with these white stripes on their backs. I didn't realize it was pollen—I figured my queen had mated with some odd-looking drones." >
http://globalswarminghoneybees.blogs...ax-results=100

[Cyrus Brewster]

Yup, that's it.

[Tia]

I used to love jewel weed as a kid. We don't have it here. Does anyone know if seeds are available and if so if they'd grow in Down East NC?

[Oldbee]

It must grow in NC somewhere, but I don't live there,. It seems SC is its southern border but some
maps have it growing almost all over the south.

> http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/c..._capensis.html

[Countryboy]

In early spring, when the bees are working henbit deadnettle, they will come back with red heads.

[Tia]

I've found some seeds on ebay and have ordered a bunch to plant at the edge of the woods behind my house. thanks, Oldbee.