The main characteristic of the Apis Mellifera is its distinctive adaptability skills, making them true chameleon in all environmental and weather conditions. The Apis Mellifera is divided in four races : The Mellifera Linné, the Carnica Pollmann, the Caucasia Gorbatchev and the Ligustica Spinoia. All of which are changing genetically over (long period of) time and climate changes.
Apis Mellifera: Linguistica Spinoia
Linguistica Spinoai is, once again, from the Middle East and moved to
Italy over time. Its number of positive characteristics made it the
most exported around the world, mainly on the Australian and American continents.
Its characteristics:
-medium size
-yellow colored
-longue-ish tongue
-strong colonies
-good sense of direction
The perks:
-very gentle
-rapid development when spring comes
-is suited for rearing
-do not tend to swarm
-is very resistant to brood diseases
-possible to use it for hybrid development
The downsides:
-can resort to pillage and sacking
-need high levels of feeding during winter to survive
-brood a lot
Apis Mellifera: Carnica Pollman
The Carnica Pollman is also originally from the Middle East, but
moved to Central Europe through the Mediterranean coast to end up
between Greece, Austria and Hongria.
Its characteristics:
-is big and has big wings
-is hairy and dark colored
-has a longue tongue suited for foraging
The perks:
-is gentle
-longue tongue
-the colony can grow rapidly in the spring
-is very resistant to brood diseases
The downsides:
-tend to swarm
-sensible to nosema and acariosis
Apis Mellifera : Mellifera Linné
The Mellifera Linné is originally from the Middle East, and moved to Northern Europe and France through Russia and East Europe.
Its characteristics:
-is relatively bigger than other races
-has a short tongue
-is very hairy and dark colored
The perks:
-adapted to its environment
-little tendency to swarming
-the colony can grow really fast
-they tend to live longer
The downsides:
-can be aggressive
-its short tongue can present an impediment to forage
-is sensitive to brood diseases
-low honey and royal jelly production
Apis Mellifera: Caucasica Gorbatchev
The Caucasica Gorbatchev is also originally from the Middle East, and
made the Caucasian Mountains its home. The Caucasica Gorbatchev is
overall very similar to the Carnica Pollman.
Its characteristics:
-is big and has big wings
-is hairy and dark colored
-has a longue tongue suited for foraging
The perks:
-is gentle
-longue tongue
-very resistance to the winter and harsh weather
-little risk of swarming
The downsides:
-sensible to nosema and acariosis
-is slow to pick up the pace when spring comes