One of the most special genetic resources of the beekeeping world, the Caucasian bee, is the undisputed master of harsh geographies and high altitudes. Known for its resilience to cold climates and its industriousness, this breed is among the favorites of both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers.
In Which Region Does the Caucasian Bee Live?
When our country’s biological riches are considered, the answer to the question in which region does the Caucasian bee live points directly to the high plateaus of Northeast Anatolia. The homeland of this breed is the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, and in Turkey, it is found pure in isolated regions in Artvin (especially Camili/Macahel Basin) and Ardahan provinces.
These bees display their true performance at altitudes of 1000 meters and above, rather than the coastal strip. Climate types where winters are long, snowy, and harsh, and summers are cool, are their natural habitat. When brought down to low-altitude and excessively hot regions, they may get stressed and experience yield loss.
What Are the Characteristics of the Caucasian Bee?
For those wondering what are the characteristics of the Caucasian bee, which attracts attention with its morphological structure and behaviors, we can make the following definition:
The most distinct field and laboratory features distinguishing this breed from others are as follows:
- Record Tongue Length: Reaches the deepest flower nectars with its tongue averaging up to 7.2 mm.
- Physical Appearance: Chitin color is dark gray or lead-colored; yellow rings are not present.
- Docile Temperament: It has a very calm nature; it does not get aggressive during hive inspections.
- High Propolis Collection: It attaches importance to hive insulation; uses a large amount of propolis.
- Strong Overwintering Ability: Enters winter with a small population, consumes less honey, and comes out alive in spring.
- Swarming Tendency: Swarming instinct is weak, which ensures the colony maintains its strength.
- Robbing: Tendency to rob other hives during nectar dearth is high.
Honey Bee Breeds and Comparisons
Among Honey Bee Breeds worldwide, Caucasians stand out with their cold climate adaptation. Every bee breed is superior in its own geography. For example; the Italian bee, the fast-developing breed of the Mediterranean climate, reaches massive populations in early spring, whereas the Caucasian bee reproduces more cautiously by following nature.
When compared with the Anatolian bee which adapts to the steppe conditions of Central Anatolia, Caucasians prefer humid and high flora more. Although the Buckfast bee, or by its commercial name the Belfast bee, among the artificial hybrids popular in recent years, is resistant to diseases, the Caucasian’s natural nectar gathering ability and genetic purity place it in a separate spot. Similarly, the Carpathian bee, which loves cold climates, displays behaviors close to Caucasians but falls behind the Caucasian breed regarding tongue length.
Caucasian Bee Honey Yield
Harvest results obtained in high-altitude plateaus prove how high the Caucasian bee honey yield potential is. Their ability to utilize deep-tubed mountain flowers (especially red clover) that other bees cannot reach puts them one step ahead in honey production.
These bees can be defined as “workaholics.” They start their shift in the very early hours of the morning and work until late hours in the evening. It has been observed that forager bees carry nectar even in light drizzle and foggy weather. The Caucasian bee honey they produce offers a dark and shiny appearance in the showcase because it is capped on the comb with the “dark capping” technique.
Caucasian Queen Bee and Her Characteristics
The Caucasian Queen Bee and Her Characteristics, being the brain of the colony, have a strategic egg-laying pattern that changes according to the season. The queen bee does not lay eggs excessively before the nectar flow fully starts in spring; she watches nature. When nectar comes, she increases her egg-laying speed to the peak.
The Caucasian Queen Bee, reaching the strongest workforce in mid-summer, cuts egg-laying early in preparation for winter since autumn will arrive early. This strategy protects honey stocks by reducing the number of “mouths” to be fed in the hive during winter. However, it should not be forgotten that this breed is sensitive to Nosema disease, and queen bee selection must be made from certified and reliable sources.
Does the Caucasian Bee Sting?
The answer to the question does the Caucasian bee sting, most asked by hobbyist beekeepers, is quite comforting in practice. Of course, every bee has a stinger; however, Caucasians rank in the top rows worldwide regarding “docility.”
When you open the hive, they continue to walk calmly on the frames; they do not panic and fly left and right. Most of the time, they are calm enough to allow working without a mask or smoker. However, this calmness does not mean they are defenseless at the hive entrance; they successfully protect their hives against external threats.
How to Identify a Pure Caucasian Queen Bee?
In today’s world where hybridization is common, the subject of how to identify a pure Caucasian queen bee requires careful observation. At first glance, the color of the queen bee must be dark brown or black, and yellow bands should not be present on it.
However, color alone is not enough. The bee’s behavior is the biggest clue. If the bees form a cluster on the frame but do not attack, cap the honey adhering to the comb (dark), and close the hive entrance/cracks with intense propolis, the probability of the material in your hand being purebred is high. For a definite result, laboratory analyses such as wing vein measurements are essential.
