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After I tackled the big swarm yesterday, the homeowner noticed a smaller swarm about 20 feet away. We all *thought* they were part of the same swarm that had broken away, but now I'm beginning to wonder.
Both swarms were captured separately and hived separately. Watching the big swarm vs the little bunch, there is a distinct difference in the bees. The big swarm is pretty much the usual Italians, but the smaller swarm is the black-butt bees, many of which are smaller than regular bees. About half way between honeybee & sweat bee size. Had to wait until they settled down to make a good observation.
Homeowner says this is the third year in a row they've had a swarm. What's the likelihood that there was actually being two swarms, not one?
Both swarms were captured separately and hived separately. Watching the big swarm vs the little bunch, there is a distinct difference in the bees. The big swarm is pretty much the usual Italians, but the smaller swarm is the black-butt bees, many of which are smaller than regular bees. About half way between honeybee & sweat bee size. Had to wait until they settled down to make a good observation.
Homeowner says this is the third year in a row they've had a swarm. What's the likelihood that there was actually being two swarms, not one?