Focus on the black bee (Apis mellifera mellifera)

While there are over 20,000 species of bee listed, one of them is slightly more common. Although in need of protection, the black bee is the most common species in Europe. Let's find out more about its origins and characteristics, and how to preserve it.

While there are over 20,000 species of bee listed, one of them is slightly more common. Although in need of protection, the black bee is the most common species in Europe . Let's find out more about its origins and characteristics, and how to preserve it.

The origins of the black bee

The black bee, also known by its scientific name Apis mellifera mellifera or Apis mellifera mellifica, is a very old species. In fact, its origins lie in Africa. It arrived on the European continent around 1 million years ago, via the Strait of Gibraltar. Today, it is the most widespread species in Europe. From the Mediterranean rim to the Scandinavian countries. It can be recognized by its specific morphology.

What does it look like?

If we compare the black bee with the three other Central European races (Carniolan, Italian and Caucasian), it has more specific characteristics. It has a stocky, black or dark brown body. It is therefore darker than the other European subspecies mentioned above. It is also larger, with a wider, more voluminous abdomen. The abdomen is also hairy with long hairs, and can sometimes have a base with brown or yellow spots. Last but not least, the bee' s proboscis is particularly short, but equipped with numerous bristles that give it great qualities.

The remarkable qualities of the black bee

As already mentioned, the Apis mellifera mellifera has a proboscis with numerous hairs, making it an excellent harvester . But it's also an extraordinary pollen disperser. It harvests large quantities of pollen from a remarkable number of flowers. In this way, they ensure the survival of many wild plants. They also contribute to the yields and quality of many agricultural products.

Beekeepers also report that the black bee is gentle and rarely aggressive. All the more so if it is well selected and worked. This purebred is also an excellent manager of food reserves. In other words, it knows how to ration its population according to its harvests. Finally, another of its qualities is that it is particularly adaptable.

A bee that adapts well to its environment

The black bee is highly adaptable. This is borne out by the various environmental changes it has undergone over the years. Similarly, its great current biological diversity proves that it is the species that has best adapted to its environment. And to different climatic conditions. This is undoubtedly due to its ability to fly well, even at low temperatures. This is why this hymenoptera is so resilient. Let's take a look at how its performance enables it to produce a variety of products.

What does the black bee produce?

As we've seen, the Apis mellifera mellifica stands out from other bee breeds thanks to its performance. This is particularly true when it comes to pollinating flowering plants. And this is also reflected in its production. The black bee produces a wide range of beneficial products, including honey of course. It also produces royal jelly, wax and propolis. Its venom is also harvested for exclusively medical use .

What are the threats to black bees?

Generally speaking, over the last twenty years or so, we have seen a massive disappearance of bees. And this is happening all over the world. We are facing what is known as "bee colony collapse disorder". This phenomenon is illustrated by massive crop losses. In fact, beekeepers are seeing large numbers of dead bees in the worst-affected hives. Or unable to produce honey. Or never to return. And this rate sadly rises to 90% in the worst-affected hives.

Similarly, the mortality rate is rising, largely due to pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids. But also to the loss of biodiversity linked to intensive industrial agriculture. Also due to viruses and parasites such as varroa mites. Fungi such as Nosema cerranae. Or dangerous bee predators like the notorious Asian hornet. Find out more about them in one of our articles.

Last but not least, the modification of landscapes and the impoverishment of flora are also a threat to the preservation of black bees. And preserving them is essential for biodiversity.

Why do we need to protect black bees?

First and foremost, for ecological reasons. Pollinating animals, like bees, are not interchangeable. In other words, they don't live in the same environments or at the same times of year. They also gather pollen from different flowers, depending on the length of their proboscis. So, given that the black bee is the apis best adapted to different local climates, it is likely to provide both constant and regular pollination. And, of course, it is also important for varied pollination.

Secondly, because it is more resistant and therefore longer-lived, it requires less maintenance by beekeepers. Another important factor is their more regular honey production. Finally, the black bee has been around for a million years. It is therefore part of the genetic heritage to be preserved.

So how can we protect it?

There are several possible ways to help preserve black bees. First of all, it's important to raise awareness of the importance of black bees among the general public, beekeepers and institutions alike. Secondly, it is important to encourage queen rearing and swarm production on a local scale. It should also be noted that one of the major causes that could support the preservation of black bees is the acceleration of the agricultural transition. Indeed, moving towards a global, or at least continental, model that relies more on "all-out" pesticide use and excessive chemical fertilizers would be one of the most impactful solutions. To begin with, this would promote biodiversity. But it would also boost the viability of the farming profession.

Finally, the creation of black bee conservatories is also an avenue worth developing. There are currently around forty of these on the European continent. These ensure total respect for the species. For example, by protecting them from hive relocation and over-feeding, and by regulating the importation of non-local bees .