So here in Trinidad and Tobago we have the Africanized honey bee. But, do you know there is also an European honey bee? Yes, there is an European bee! What’s the difference? Keep reading. The two classifications of bees are of the same species. However, one is docile while the other is very defensive. It was the Spanish who actually brought these European bees to the U.S., and for centuries they have been the bee of choice in that part of the world. The European bees are the bees of choice in the U.S., because of reduced swarming and their docile nature. In the 1950s the African bees were brought to Brazil in an attempt to increase honey production. This was to be done by cross breeding the European bee with the African. However, some of the African bees (queens) were accidentally released, and thereafter, gradually spread throughout South America. These African bees mixed with the european bees producing the Africanized strain.
The Africanized bee is smaller than the European bee, but cannot be easily seen with the eyes. Both species of bees carry the same potency of venom. If that is true, why then are the Africanized bees accredited with being so much more dangerous? While the European bees may send out 10 to 20 guard bees when disturbed, the African bees will send out hundreds to defend. Also, the European bees will only defend within 20-feet. However, the African bees will defend up to 120-feet. Wow! And the European bees will stay agitated for a period of 1 to 2 hours, while the African bees stay agitated for up to several days. The African bees are feared due to the fact that a disturbed colony gives up to 200 stings. While the European colony will only result in about 20 stings. I hope this blog was helpful to you. Thanks for reading our blog post, if you like it leave us a comment; and, please share it.
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