[Paulzie]

I had a small container lid with Honey water on it to try to follow bees to a wild hive. I noticed a few with black tails as opposed to stripes but figured its just variance. But then, an all black one showed up. It seemed to interact more with the other bees too... Either being chased, doing the chasing or just head to head.... like feeding.
Is it from another hive? Just a mutant?
Just curious.
Thanks

 

[Fivej]

Probably and old bee whose hair has worn off. J

 

[Paulzie]

Oh wow... Really?
Interesting. I didn't realize the "yellow" was just due to the hair

 

[Steve in PA]

Probably variance. These are sisters from the same hive. Clearly they have different fathers.

 

[Paulzie]

Thanks Steve! That darker one is pretty cool looking! A Whole hive of them would be interesting!

 

[roberto487]

I don't think is not a honeybee but a leaf cutter bee.

 

[crofter]

There is at least one disease that can result in hair loss that can account for the darker appearance. I have seen reference to other bees trying to drive off such bees. Perhaps someone can find a reference to it.

 

[AR Beekeeper]

Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus has a hairless black syndrome form.