Apis mellifera mellifera—Honey Bee
Apis mellifera, the name of the species of Apis well known to keepers of the bees! And yet, as is true of much about the honey bee, even the name can get complicated . . . Among the complications is … Continued
Honey, for Real*
The Complaint A highly regarded beekeeper passed along a complaint he has received, one that is filed with the Department of Justice. The complaint states that his honey has failed four “common home tests for real honey.” Unconcerned because he … Continued
Finding a Flower in Bloom
A small, fuzzy honey bee makes her way to a clematis flower growing in a garden nearly two miles from her home. How did she find that flower? This common occurrence tends to go without much notice—other than by some who see … Continued
That Grand Interaction
John Skinner, University of Tennessee, opened his presentation at the Oregon State Beekeepers Association 2016 conference by telling us that the interaction of plants and pollinators is his favorite topic. It is indeed nothing short of amazing. Further, the ramifications … Continued
Transitioning into a petaloso world
I spoke of the impulse in “Hunkering Down – A Lesson From Bees,” which appears in Frederick Swan’s ezine, 2nd Tuesday, and have indeed hunkered down throughout the days of winter. Emerging now from darkness, I am among many who … Continued
Can it be this easy to help the bees—and ourselves?
There’s no escaping the fact that honey bees are in trouble today—nor that people genuinely want to do something to help. Yet, good intentions have ways of running aground in the face of full schedules and other demands of daily … Continued