Carniolan Bees

Carniolan Bees

Carniolan bees are dark with brown bands on the abdomen.

They overwinter as small clusters but increase rapidly in the spring after the first pollen. Therefore, the major disadvantage to Carniolans is excessive swarming. Due to their small overwintering cluster size, they are very economical in their food consumption, even under unfavorable climatic conditions, and they overwinter well.

They are not inclined to robbing, have a good sense of orientation, and are quiet on the combs.

They are available but not common. Some of the stock is listed as New World Carniolan, considered by some beekeepers to be the better Carniolan strain.

Advantages

  • Lower food consumption
  • Overwinter well
  • Good sense of orientation
  • Not prone to drifting and robbing

Disadvantages

  • Prone to swarming

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