Who / What
The European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is a subspecies of the western honey bee. It is one of two members of the 'M' lineage of Apis mellifera, historically native to northern Europe.
Background & History
This subspecies evolved in central Asia, with a proposed origin in the Tien Shan Mountains. After the last ice age from 9000 BC onwards, it migrated into eastern and then northern Europe. Its original range stretched from the southern Urals in Russia through northern Europe down to the Pyrenees.
Why Notable
The European dark bee is significant as an important native pollinator and genetic lineage in European ecosystems. It represents a distinct evolutionary branch of honey bees adapted to northern climates. Its genetic purity has become a conservation concern due to hybridization with other subspecies.
In the News
Recent conservation efforts focus on preserving purebred populations as the subspecies faces threats from hybridization. Its genetic resilience to colder climates makes it valuable for breeding programs adapting to climate change impacts.
