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Dark European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera)
- Common Name: Dark European Honey Bee
- Latin Name: Apis mellifera mellifera
- Size: 12-14 mm
- Location: Native to Northern and Western Europe
- Active Months: Year-round in warmer climates; April to October in temperate regions
- Habitat: Gardens, forests, meadows, and agricultural areas
- Nesting Behaviour: Cavity nester (colonies in hollow trees or hives)
- Social Behaviour: Highly social, forming large colonies
- Flora & Fauna: Pollinates fruit trees, wildflowers, crops
- Status: Threatened due to hybridization and habitat loss
Dark European Honey Bee Identification: A Complete Guide
The Dark European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is a key honey bee subspecies in Northern and Western Europe. Known for its dark coloration, it plays an essential role in pollination. Understanding how to identify honey bee subspecies like this one helps in conserving their populations and maintaining pollinator diversity.
Behavior and Habitat of the Dark European Honey Bee
The Dark European Honey Bee lives in large colonies and actively forages for nectar and pollen.
- Preferred Habitat: These bees nest in hollow trees or artificial hives in gardens, forests, and meadows.
- Active Months: They are active from April to October in temperate regions, but they remain active all year in warmer climates.
Nesting Habits of Apis mellifera mellifera
Like other honey bee subspecies, the Dark European Honey Bee builds its nests in protected cavities.
- Nesting Process: The queen bee lays eggs in hexagonal wax cells. Worker bees care for the larvae. The colony cooperates to gather food and protect the hive.
- Colony Structure: The colony includes the queen, worker bees, and drones, all working together to sustain the hive.
How to Identify the Dark European Honey Bee
You can easily identify the Dark European Honey Bee by its size and darker color.
- Size: They are between 12-14 mm, slightly larger than other honey bee subspecies.
- Coloration: These bees have a black or dark brown body, with minimal banding and fine grey hairs on the thorax.
Encouraging Dark European Honey Bees in Your Garden
To support the Dark European Honey Bee, you can create a garden that meets their needs.
- Plant Variety: Plant wildflowers, fruit trees, and other flowering plants that offer plenty of nectar and pollen.
- Avoid Pesticides: Use natural alternatives to chemicals, which can harm bee populations.
- Provide Nesting Spaces: Set up bee-friendly hives or keep areas with hollow trees to offer nesting opportunities.
By creating a bee-friendly garden, you help sustain the population of Dark European Honey Bees and support overall pollinator diversity.
To learn more about protecting native bee species like the Dark European Honey Bee, visit the Bee Conservation Trust for resources and conservation tips
Providing artificial nesting spaces like bug hotels can also encourage pollinators such as the Dark European Honey Bee to thrive. Learn more in our guide on how to make a bug hotel.
