Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping

About this book

First released in 1999, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping is widely accepted as a major textbook of apiculture (beekeeping). Universities use it to teach college students bee biology and beekeeping. This is the third major revision of the text.

Beekeepers and bee clubs use it to teach other beekeepers. It concentrates on the ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘when’ of beekeeping. It explains bee and beekeeping basics in a manner meaningful to people who lack an extensive background in biology. Yet it is not oversimplified, and provides a meaningful source of beekeeping information for the informed beekeeper.

The third edition has been carefully edited, updated and expanded to 480 pages. New chapters have been added, as have colourful new graphics and photographs. The glossary has also been expanded. This comprehensive textbook easily replaces many beginner books while adding comprehensive details of bee biology essential to becoming a successful beekeeper and student of the honey bee. Features many new full-colour photos by the authors, selected beekeeper photographers, as well as new colour drawings by Jon Zawislak.

Contents

About the authors   iii
Table of Contents   v
How to use this book   x

Section 1 Bee Biology   xi
1. Introduction   13
2. What’s in a name?   31
3. Sociality   49
4. What is a honey bee?   63
5. Anatomy   78
6. Physiology   95
7. Pheromones   111
8. Dance language   127
9. The bees’ nest   145
10. Queens   161
11. Bee botany   179

Section 2 Beekeeping   209
12. Getting started   211
13. Management basics   229
14. Fall & winter   253
15. Spring   269
16. Honey production   286
17. Honey & other products   305
18. Queen & drone rearing   324
19. Nucleus colonies   344
20. Pollination   358
21. Bee mites   378
22. Diseases   402
23. Pests   419

Glossary   438
Index   460

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