The Anatolian bee is the Apis mellifera anatoliaca subspecies native to the central and western regions of Turkey, showing high resistance to harsh climate conditions and possessing a thrifty wintering ability. Having adapted to the variable flora of the Anatolian geography for thousands of years, it is an important local genetic resource with high nectar-gathering capability and resistance to diseases.
What Breed is the Anatolian Bee?
Holding an important place in world beekeeping literature and mentioned with praise by the British bee breeder Brother Adam, the question of what breed is the Anatolian bee is frequently wondered about in terms of genetic diversity. This bee is not a transitional form between African-origin bees and European black bees, but a unique ecotype that evolved in the isolated regions of the Anatolian peninsula. It has perfectly adapted, over a process of thousands of years, particularly to the continental climate, hot summers, and cold winters of Central Anatolia.
When historical data is examined, it is seen that this breed stands out not only for honey production but also for its survival skills. Unlike many other breeds, it rapidly reduces the colony population during periods when resources are scarce to protect its stocks. This evolutionary strategy is one of the fundamental factors making the Anatolian breed indispensable for the sustainability of modern beekeeping.
Apis Mellifera Anatoliaca Physical and Behavioral Characteristics
Classified scientifically as apis mellifera anatoliaca, this breed is defined by the superior behavioral traits it exhibits rather than its physical appearance. Although they generally have a dark appearance, yellowish colorations can be seen on the abdominal rings (tergites). One of their most distinct physical features is that their wings are quite strong relative to their bodies, which provides them with a wide flight range.
The prominent characteristic features of the Anatolian bee are as follows:
- Wintering Ability: It survives the winter with very little loss by consuming a small amount of honey.
- Orientation: Their pathfinding abilities are highly developed; the tendency to drift (mistake hives) is low.
- Propolis Collection: It uses propolis intensively to ensure hive hygiene and seal openings.
- Aggression Level: It is generally of a calm nature, but quickly calms down when smoke is used during hive manipulations.
- Development Speed: Colony development starts cautiously in the spring, reaching a peak rapidly when the nectar flow begins.
- Honey Arch Formation: It tends to guarantee winter stock by blocking the brood area with a honey arch.
Central Anatolian Bee Characteristics and Climate Adaptation
The purest and most resistant lines of this breed, which shows regional variations, are generally observed in colonies carrying Central anatolian bee characteristics. The adaptation mechanism they have developed against the sudden temperature changes brought by the steppe climate distinguishes them from other breeds. In periods when the summer is arid and hot and the nectar flow lasts for a short time, these bees can maximize their work tempo and stock up in a short time.
This ecotype prevents the colony from starving to death by stopping egg-laying during times of drought. This thrifty structure, which avoids resource waste, minimizes the beekeeper’s need for external feeding. This situation provides a great economic advantage, especially for those practicing stationary beekeeping.
Anatolian Bee Honey Yield and Working Performance
One of the most critical performance criteria for beekeepers, the Anatolian bee honey yield, is at quite satisfactory levels when worked with in the correct geography. This breed is extremely capable of finding nectar resources and can collect nectar even from deep-tubed flowers that other bees do not visit. Their industriousness manifests itself with heavy flight traffic continuing from the early hours of the morning until sunset.
Its mastery in tracking flora makes the Anatolian bee usable in migratory beekeeping as well. However, it gives the highest yield in the continental climate vegetation coded into its genetic memory. Its focus purely on honey storage by suppressing brood activity during periods when nectar flow is intense is an important behavior that increases the harvest amount.
Anatolian Queen Bee and Reproductive Ability
The continuity and strength of the colony depend directly on the Anatolian Queen Bee performance, and these queens are known for being long-lived. An Anatolian queen bee can lay between 1,500 and 2,000 eggs per day under suitable conditions. However, this laying behavior is strictly synchronized with the nectar and pollen flow coming from outside; it does not produce brood unnecessarily before nature wakes up, avoiding risk to the colony.
The tendency to swarm is at a reasonable level compared to some other breeds. When supering and space expansion operations are performed by the beekeeper on time, the swarming tendency can easily be kept under control. The pheromone secretion of the queen bees is strong, which facilitates the maintenance of order and unity within the colony.
Comparison with Other Honey Bee Breeds
Among Honey Bee Breeds worldwide, the place of the Anatolian bee is on the axis of durability and thriftiness. For example, the Italian bee is known for producing abundant brood and rapid development, but it consumes a lot of honey in winter and cannot winter as successfully as the Anatolian bee in cold climates. Similarly, the Caucasian bee is very successful in taking nectar from deep flowers thanks to its long tongue and is resistant to cold; however, the Anatolian bee tolerates arid and hot summers better than the Caucasian breed.
The Carpathian bee, common in Europe, is known for early spring development. The Anatolian breed, on the other hand, acts a bit more cautiously in the spring, minimizing the risk of brood foulbrood in sudden cold snaps. Hybrid breeds like the Buckfast bee, or known by its commercial name the Belfast bee, have been produced with a focus on high yield. As an interesting historical detail, Anatolian bee genes were used in the breeding of the Buckfast bee to impart durability and longevity traits.
Breeder Anatolian Bee and Breeding Efforts
The production of the Breeder Anatolian bee carries great importance in projects conducted for the purpose of preserving genetic purity and increasing yield. In Turkey, under the leadership of organizations such as the TEMA Foundation and ANG Foundation, breeding studies have been carried out in isolated areas, particularly in regions like Ankara (Kazan) and Kırşehir. The aim of these studies is to stabilize honey yield while preserving the superior characteristics of the Anatolian bee, such as disease resistance and wintering ability.
Pure Anatolian Bee and Genetic Diversity
Today, due to uncontrolled queen bee trade and migratory beekeeping activities, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the Pure anatolian bee. The protection of local ecotypes is of vital importance not only for biological diversity but also for the beekeeping sector struggling with climate change. Field studies conducted on Anatolian bee varieties and characteristics adapted to the microclimate of that region in different geographies show that the genetic potential of this breed has not yet been fully utilized.
