Apis mellifera ligustica, commonly known as the Italian honey bee, is a subspecies of the Western honey bee. It is one of the most commercially distributed honey bees globally, favored by beekeepers for a combination of desirable traits. Originating from the Italian peninsula, this bee has been introduced to numerous countries for honey production and crop pollination.
Understanding Apis mellifera and Subspecies
The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is a social insect living in large, organized colonies. These colonies consist of a single reproductive female, the queen; thousands of non-reproductive female worker bees; and a smaller number of male drones whose primary function is to mate with a queen. Workers perform all the tasks necessary for the colony’s survival, including foraging for nectar and pollen, caring for the brood, and defending the hive.
A subspecies represents a distinct population within a species that is geographically isolated and has developed unique, inheritable characteristics. These differences arise as the population adapts to its local environment. While different subspecies, like the Italian bee, have recognizable traits, they can still interbreed with other subspecies of Apis mellifera. Apis mellifera ligustica is one of several dozen such subspecies.
Geographic Origin and Worldwide Distribution
The Italian honey bee is native to the continental part of Italy, in the region south of the Alps and north of Sicily. It is believed to have survived the last ice age in this temperate refuge, which allowed it to develop its specific characteristics. The bee’s name, ligustica, refers to the Ligurian Alps in northern Italy, a part of its endemic range.
The global spread of Apis mellifera ligustica began in the mid-19th century. Beekeepers began promoting the subspecies for its favorable qualities. It was introduced to the USA in 1859, Australia in 1862, and subsequently to other parts of the world, including South America and New Zealand. Today, it is one of the most common honey bees found in apiaries across temperate and subtropical climates globally.
Key Characteristics of Apis mellifera ligustica
Italian bees are recognizable by their coloration, consisting of a brown body with distinct yellow or brown stripes on the abdomen. There are several color variations, including the standard leather-brown, a brighter golden yellow, and a very pale yellow. Physically, they have a smaller body size and a relatively long tongue, or proboscis, measuring between 6.3 and 6.6 mm, allowing them to forage on flowers other bees cannot access.
The Italian bee has a docile and gentle temperament. This makes hive inspections and general management easier for beekeepers. They are also known for being prolific brood producers, with queens laying a large number of eggs, leading to rapid colony growth in the spring and summer. This ensures a large workforce is available to collect nectar.
This subspecies is a highly productive honey producer and an excellent comb builder. They have a low tendency to swarm compared to some other subspecies and use minimal amounts of propolis, a resinous substance used to seal hive gaps. However, their tendency to maintain a large population by raising brood late into autumn means they consume significant food stores. This is a challenge for overwintering in colder climates, as they also form looser winter clusters, leading to greater heat loss and higher food consumption.
Importance in Beekeeping
For beekeepers, Apis mellifera ligustica is suitable for both hobbyist and commercial operations. Its gentleness reduces the stress of hive management, and its high productivity can lead to substantial honey yields, with strong colonies capable of producing over 100 kilograms in good conditions. Italian queens are often readily accepted by colonies, simplifying the re-queening process.
Despite its strengths, managing this subspecies requires attention to its specific needs. This necessitates careful monitoring of honey stores, particularly heading into winter. They also require ample space in the hive to accommodate a large brood nest. Like all honey bees, they are susceptible to pests and diseases, including the Varroa mite, and are impacted by broader issues like Colony Collapse Disorder, requiring active management to maintain colony health.