Okay, maybe not. This is, after all, a male bee. In this species, the yellow face and the yellow legs indicate maleness, but you have to admit, that’s quite a pout. Halictus rubicundus is a very common species in North America. It is found in Canada and throughout the United States from March until September. […] Read more
Since I wrote the post “The Great Extractor Debate,” several beekeepers have reminded me that a borrowed extractor can be a source of disease. They are absolutely right. American foulbrood is the disease most commonly associated with used equipment. The disease is caused by the bacterium, Paenibacillus larvae, which is passed from hive to hive […] Read more
Confusion surrounding solitary bees seems to be getting worse. Recently, I ran into an acquaintance in a local supermarket. The conversation went something like this: “Hey Kathy,” I said, “did you finally get your hive set up?” “No, we decided to wait another year. But we got solitary bees! We put up a box.” “Great!” I […] Read more
Editor’s Note: On Friday evening just before twilight, on the eve of National Honey Bee Day, I received a surprise visit from one of the queen’s court. She begged I pay attention and take notes. When satisfied I was rapt, she danced the following manifesto. According to her wishes, I typed the transcript into American […] Read more
“I wonder if, when surrounded by a thousand bees, you have ever become acutely aware of them. This year seems to be a bad year for me that way. At first, just a couple of swarms proved that they were not going to go gently into that dark box. Then, decorators next door attracted the […] Read more
A sprawling lemon balm grows in the center of my chicken yard, surrounded by bushels of peppermint. Since they don’t care for mint-family plants, the chickens simply forge paths around them without eating any. They seem comfortable enough, lolling in the minty shade during hot August afternoons. About two weeks ago, I noticed the lemon […] Read more
While traipsing through the farmer’s market last weekend, I met a beekeeper with an interesting question. Having heard that honey bees are poor pollinators of alfalfa, she wanted to know where alfalfa honey comes from. How does that work? Honey bees are, indeed, second-rate pollinators when it comes to alfalfa. When the bee sits on […] Read more