Darker Honeybees - Apis mellifera

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Apoidea (clade Anthophila) - Bees » Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees (Apidae) » Honey, Bumble, Longhorn, Orchid, and Digger Bees (Apinae) » Honey Bees (Apini) » Honey Bees (Apis) » Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Photo#258417

Copyright © 2009 Tim Lethbridge

Darker Honeybees - Apis mellifera -

Lake Placid - Archbold, Highlands County, Florida, USA
September 6, 2008

I have noticed when photographing honeybees in my area there are two color patterns. The more common has orange/gold as the predominate abdomen color. This one, which I see in different areas, has a darker appearance with hair that is more beige. I do see the darker ones fairly regularly but they are always the minority. Reading in the guide I saw mention of German honey bees - Apis mellifera mellifera. Would this be one, or am I simply seeing color variation between individuals in the same subspecies? Thanks.

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Darker Honeybees - Apis mellifera - female

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Contributed by Tim Lethbridge on 14 March, 2009 - 8:44pm
Last updated 28 March, 2011 - 8:11am

Spectacular shots!

This is a wonderful 'in flight' shot! It (along with your other in flight photos) was obviously not staged either. Whats your secret?

… Vespula Vulgaris, 15 March, 2009 - 1:54pm

Thanks and

there is no real secret. I use a manual focus macro lens for insect photos. If the insect is in flight it is next to impossible to focus before they have moved (hovering dragonflies are a rare exception). Instead I try to watch and predict where I may be able to get my shot. In this case I chose a flower, prefocused, and waited for my opportunity. A small aperture and powerful flash, even in bright daylight, also help. I find I have more success with bees as they are approaching a flower rather than when they are leaving. Oh, and the most important secret is to take lots and lots of photos and only show anyone the good ones!

Tim

… Tim Lethbridge, 15 March, 2009 - 7:36pm

But do hang on to the not-so-good ones.

Often, some detail in one of them can trigger or solidify an ID. And hey, they can always be frassed later.

… Ron Hemberger, 15 March, 2009 - 8:30pm

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