Population of Carniolan bees (Apis mellifera carnica Pollman) in Slovenia and its hybridization with other subspecies based on colour of abdomen

Abstract

In Slovenia Carniolan honeybee (Apis mellifera carnica Pollman 1879) is an autochthonous and protected honeybee subspecies. Based on morphological characteristics A. m. carnica belongs to the southeast European group of honeybees and is the second most widely spread honeybee subspecies in the world. Slovenia is the origin country of A. m. carnica and its conservation is stipulated by law In the last few years more honeybees with yellow bands on the abdomen were seen in the population of A. m. carnica in Slovenia. These characteristics are the result of hybridization with other honeybee subspecies. Apis m. carnica is nowadays to a large extent influenced by beekeeping activities (trade with bee colonies and queens, migratory beekeeping) and also natural conditions and hybridization in the zones of natural hybridization. To find out the percentage of hybrid honeybees in the population of A. m. carnica in Slovenia, a morphological investigation based on the colour of bands on the worker abdomen was made. We found the highest percentages of honeybees with yellow bands in the West part of Slovenia near the border with Italia (Obalno Kraška and Goriška region) but also in the Koroška region. On average 5.6% honeybees in the population of A. m. carnica in Slovenia have yellow bands. Further hybridization of A. m. carnica with other honeybee subspecies could led to loss of morphological, ethological and genetic characteristics of A. m. carnica population in Slovenia.