JB>From: Jane Beckman <[log in to unmask]>
  >To: Multiple recipients of list BEE-L <[log in to unmask]>
  >Date:         Thu, 27 Jul 1995 15:42:39 PDT
  >Subject:      Re: Propolis
 
JB>Well, I have an urban/suburban beehive (Victorian neighborhood) in a
  >middling city (San Jose, Ca.), and the propolis in my hive is hard, ranging
  >from dark brown color to a pale amber.
 
Look at the wounds in the Blue Gum trees, this makes a red or pale amber
propolis.
 
JB>The "bubble gum" consistency you mention makes me wonder if this might
  >be something other than a natural resin.  Anyone know if bees actually go
  >after chewing gum? ;-)  Do they necessarily distinguish between resin and
  >say, something like a caulking compound?
 
Sounds like this poster's bee's are within flying distance of one of
those trailer heavens that used to be so popular in Florida and other
places. Here in California natural propolis is in short supply most of
the year and the bee's will bring in all kinds of man made propolis.
From grafting wax, to green paint off of out houses. The all must have
some oil, like linseed oil that makes them attractive. The bee's will
also rob propolis off of exposed bee equipment, and clean all the wax
off of new frames not stored inside. I have seen them do a job on some
stacked in the back of a open garage/workshop with the door open.
 
Bee equipment from other states that do have LOT's and lot's of
propolis so bad you can't get the frames out will be clean in one
season in this part of California which proves that, at least to me,
that propolis is indeed consumed by the bee in more activity then just
sealing up the hive for winter. I suspect it is used to varnish or
coat the inside of brood cells and plays some part in the health of
the bee grub, or it could just be a engineering thing to hold the heat
in the brood area. I do know for sure it disappears and that bee's hear
about's spend much time working on substitutes for it.
 
                                ttul Andy-
 
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