Italian

The Italian Honey Bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera ligustica, is a highly popular subspecies renowned for its gentle temperament and prolific productivity. Originating from the Italian peninsula, these bees are distinguished by their striking yellow to light brown coloration, with bands that are more vibrant than those found on other honey bee breeds. Their exceptional adaptability to various climates makes them a favored choice for beekeepers across the globe.

Italian Honey Bees are celebrated for their strong work ethic and efficient honey production, often outpacing other subspecies in their output. They are also noted for their low swarming tendencies, which is advantageous for beekeepers looking to maintain stable hive populations. This breed is particularly adept at brood rearing, maintaining strong and healthy colonies that tend to build up quickly in the spring.

While they have strong disease resistance against certain pathogens, Italian Honey Bees can be somewhat prone to robbing behavior and find challenges in managing varroa mite infestations without intervention. Nonetheless, their docile nature, combined with their industriousness and relative ease of management, makes the Italian Honey Bee an excellent choice for both novice and experienced apiarists.

Colors: Golden Brown with Black Stripes