Carniolan vs Russian Bees

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In this article, we look at the relative similarities and differences between Carniolan vs Russian bees. 

Russia is very big. It consists of a number of zones, with the Far Eastern zone being a region in which the indigenous bee is Apis cerana. Varroa destructor is a natural parasite of Apis cerana. 

A Brief History Of The “Russian Bee”

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Apis mellifera carnica, or the Carniolan bee is a truly beautiful bee. This type f bee is native to Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Romania. 

Carniolan Bees

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Both Carniolan and Russian bees have relatively high overwintering success rates and an ability to form a tight winter cluster. 

Carniolan vs Russian Bees

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1. Overwintering

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Swarming

This allows beekeepers to produce honey easily with limited management. 

2.

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Honey Production

Carniolan bees seem to be regarded as better honey producers, which falls in line with my experience.

3.

Any bee can get riled up if you treat the hive badly, but these bees are very slow to anger.

4. Aggression

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Carniolan bees are however seen as having excellent resistance to Tracheal mites, and slight resistance to Varroa.

5. Mite Resistance

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Adaptation To Warmer Climates

Both these bee races fare poorly in warmer climates. They need a cold winter for their natural biology to work. 

6.

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Ability To Keep Multiple Races In An Apiary

Russian bees most desirable trait is mite resistance. If an apiary has mixed genetics, you will lose most of this benefit.

7.

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ADVICE

There is a lot of debate about this. Some forums insist that Russian bees are really just Apis mellifera caucasia bees. The scientific evidence suggests they are different, being more similar but distinct from Apis mellifera caucasia.

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