[Monie]

Today, it was warm enough for me to check on the girls. After some spring cleaning, I got to noticing that they looked different. Last summer, I requeened with an O.W. Carni. These bees are, perhaps, a color phase? The thorax and top third of the abdomen are what I would call chestnut, followed by yellow, then black. They have 4 black bands across their abdomen. They are quite beautiful, regardless. And their temperment is more docile than I expected. Don't get me wrong, they head butt me, but they didn't come out in droves, like the ones last year did.

Any ideas? I'll try to get pics

 

[honeyman46408]

Sounds like you got a good one I would not worry much (dont worry bee happy) :applause:

 

[AmericasBeekeeper]

Mutt bees are the best! That is what Buckfast bees are. Genetic diversity with heterosis.

 

[Monie]

Sounds like you got a good one I would not worry much (dont worry bee happy) :applause:

I'm not worried, just curious.

 

[indypartridge]

Mutt bees are the best!

Dr. Greg Hunt of Purdue always describes his bees as mutts. He's been breeding for mite resistance and Indiana-survivability for years and has cross-bred Italians, Russians, Minnesota Hygenics, etc. Several of the Indiana queen-producers get their breeder queens from Purdue.

 

[beemandan]

People ask me what kind of bees I keep. I always reply, 'my bees have no pedigree'. It usually gets a smile...and is also true.