The importance of the Caucasian Honeybee to
beekeeping is multiple:
(1) The Grey Caucasian bee has the longest tongue of any economically important race (Dietz, 1982) making it invaluable for pollination;
(2) The Caucasian bee is the gentlest race of honeybee, making it an attractive bee for all beekeepers, especially for hobbyist and novice beekeepers;
(3) Caucasian bees are “not inclined to excessive swarming and develop into strong colonies” (Dietz, 1982);
(4) The Caucasian bee will forage at lower temperatures and in less favorable climatic conditions than hybrid- and three-banded Italian bees (Dietz, 1968);
(5) Caucasian bees are recognized as excellent producers of the propolis that is sought by holistic and natural health practitioners.
