Peter L. Borst <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>An excellent reference on the evolution of the honey bee would be
>"Asian Honey Bees" by Ben Oldroyd (2006).  In it he describes the
>"oldest known bee fossil", a bee preserved in amber found in New
>Jersey and estimated at 80 million years old. This is not a true honey
>bee but is similar to the modern genus Trigona, a stingless social
>bee.
 

Thanks Peter!
That will be a great addition to the timeline!

I was wondering,  I see references to spread of honeybees by Eva Crane and 
others often accredited to:

Everett Oertel
lutz, 1993
Ibid

Are you familiar with any of he titles for the material by 3 names above 
that Eva Crane and others may have referenced from? Or if they may have 
published books concerning the history of honeybees, or may recommend 
books that might help for reference material that I can purchase?  Never 
heard of Ibid, I‘m not familiar with that name.  Thanks in advance!

Finding it difficult to find good referenced material on the internet.  
Other than yours and Molokai great references.

I do however upon digging stumble on other interesting references, such as 
the one placed below that supports Eva Cranes mention of Honeybees arrival 
in Wisconsin (found in Wisconsin’s Historical Society web site). 

Eva provides the date for Wisconsin, but NO source for the reference 
(unless it’s buried somewhere else in her book) which I think is essential 
and are attempting to provide in some manner in the time line.

=== 
1827  Wisconsin - Probably Spread by Swarming.
(Source: Eva Crane, World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Pg. 
359) 

Beetown (origin of place name)
In the early part of 1827, Cyrus Alexander found a mineral in the cavity 
made by overturning of a bee-tree. On digging a little they found a nugget 
[of lead] weighing 425 lbs. The lode discovered was called "bee-lead" and 
thus originated the name of the town. 
(Source: p. 563 of Holford, History of Grant Co.)
===

Best Wishes,
Joe Waggle

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