There are some lineages of European bees in the US traced to more
northern European subspecies (regardless of color) that do shut down
brood rearing more readily in response to diminished incoming
nectar/pollen. The most defined are derivatives of New World
Carniolans and of the USDA ARS Russian importation. Even more extreme
are African/African-derived bees during dearths caused by either the
rainy season in non-desert areas or by drought in desert areas. Not
only do they shut down brood production but they also abscond.
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