The Caucasian bee originates in the Caucasus region and is best known for one distinguishing trait: an exceptionally long tongue.

Characteristics

• Colour: Dark grey, with a paler down
• Temper: Very gentle; among the calmest subspecies on the comb
• Tongue: The longest of the subspecies
• Propolis: Collects it abundantly

Strengths

• Long tongue: Can reach nectar in deep-throated flowers that other subspecies cannot exploit. Where such plants dominate the forage, this is a real advantage
• Gentle to work with
• Good propolis production
• Flies in cooler weather than several other subspecies
• Frugal: Reduces brood rearing when the flow stops

Weaknesses

• Excessive propolis: Frames and boxes become heavily glued, which makes every inspection slower and harder
• Late spring development: It builds up more slowly than the Carniolan
• Prone to robbing during a dearth
• Wintering: Reports vary; in some conditions it is described as consuming more than expected

The propolis question

This is the trait beekeepers notice first. For a producer selling propolis it is an advantage; for everyone else it is a daily nuisance.

It also matters for equipment: heavily propolised frames need scraping more often, and boxes stick together.

Which conditions suit it

It suits regions where deep-throated flowers form a significant part of the forage, and where a long, steady season allows for slower build-up.

The criterion that comes first

As with every subspecies, one rule precedes the individual traits: a locally adapted line usually performs better than an imported one, however attractive the catalogue description.

Adaptation to the forage calendar and winter of your own region is the cheapest advantage available.