Hello All
Since there is little to do with the bees at present, I have taken to doing
a little bit of reading, and what better book to read IMO than 'A Manual of
Beekeeping' by E B Wedmore?.
I came across the following paragraphs from which I quote as follows:
'Importance of Longevity.
Longevity is obviously a characteristic of great value to the beekeeper,
especially in an uncertain climate. Bees work within the hive generally for
the first two weeks, and take up field duties after that period. Thus a bee
with five weeks' effective life will only put in three weeks on outside
duties, whereas bees with eight weeks' effective life cost no more to
produce, but can put in six weeks' harvesting. Moreover, during an
unexpected short flow one is much more likely to have harvesters available
with the long-lived than the short-lived strain.
Assesment of Longevity.
A colony of long-lived bees may be readily distinguished from short-lived
neighbours, because it will maintain a larger number of bees in relation to
the size of its brood nest. One colony will maintain a hive full of bees on
a brood nest of 30,000 where another may require 60,000. With the latter, on
a prolonged break in the flow, the stores harvested just disappear, for it
takes roughly a pound of food to raise 1,000 bees, or 20 lbs per week to
maintain a brood nest of 60,000.
Generally the long-lived strains have queens that are long lived but
somewhat less prolific. Nevertheless the ideal bee is both prolific and long
lived, maintaining a large supply of harvesters. The two virtues are by no
means mutually exclusive.'
My question on this is 'Why have I not come across any discussion on this
particular attribute before?'
It would appear on the face of it to be a most important consideration when
it comes to selecting bees, since the longer lived bees can put in an
additional three weeks harvesting.
Can anybody shed any light on this for me please?.
Sincerely
Tom Barrett
49 South Park, Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
Tel + 353 1 289 5269
Fax + 353 1 289 9940
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