Cape vs African Honey Bees
South Africa has two important honey bee subspecies: the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) and the African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata). Both play vital roles in pollination and honey production, but they differ in behaviour, reproduction, and beekeeping value.
Geographic Range
- Cape honey bee: Found naturally in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape. Adapted to the fynbos ecosystem and the region’s Mediterranean climate.
- African honey bee: Distributed across most of South Africa and into tropical Africa. Prefers warm climates with summer rainfall.
Colony Reproduction
- Cape honey bee: Unique among honey bees because workers can lay eggs that develop into female bees (a process called thelytoky). This allows colonies to reproduce even without a queen.
- African honey bee: Only the queen lays fertilised female eggs. Worker-laid eggs develop only into males (drones).
Behaviour
- Cape honey bee: Less aggressive towards humans but has a special behaviour that can cause problems. Workers can invade African honey bee colonies and reproduce there, often leading to the collapse of the host colony.
- African honey bee: Highly defensive. Colonies mobilise quickly when disturbed and are known for stinging in large numbers.
Productivity
- Cape honey bee: Well adapted to foraging on fynbos plants. Efficient pollinator of indigenous flora, but honey production is usually lower than African honey bees in agricultural settings.
- African honey bee: Very productive honey producer. Colonies grow rapidly and are excellent for commercial honey farming and pollination of crops.
Climate Adaptation
- Cape honey bee: Thrives in Mediterranean climates with cool, wet winters and dry summers.
- African honey bee: Performs best in warmer tropical and subtropical climates where rainfall occurs in summer.
Beekeeping Considerations
- Cape honey bee: Valuable for pollination in the Cape region but problematic if moved north. Their ability to invade and reproduce in African honey bee colonies can cause widespread losses.
- African honey bee: The preferred subspecies for most South African beekeepers due to high productivity, but their defensive behaviour requires careful hive management.
Morphology
- Cape honey bee: Workers are often slightly smaller and darker, with a broader abdomen tip.
- African honey bee: Slightly lighter in colour with a slimmer abdomen tip.
- These differences are subtle and usually confirmed by microscopic examination.
Summary
- The Cape honey bee is specialised for the fynbos ecosystem and is less aggressive but has unusual reproductive behaviour that can damage other colonies.
- The African honey bee is widespread, highly productive, and preferred for beekeeping, but requires caution due to its strong defensiveness.
Together, these bees illustrate the diversity of South Africa’s pollinators and the need for careful management to protect both subspecies and their environments.
| Category | Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) | African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Distribution | Restricted to Western Cape and parts of Eastern Cape | Found across most of South Africa and much of tropical Africa |
| Colony Reproduction | Workers can lay eggs that develop into females (thelytoky) | Only queens lay fertilised female eggs; worker eggs become drones |
| Behaviour | Less aggressive but workers can invade Scutellata colonies (parasitism) | Highly defensive and quick to sting when disturbed |
| Productivity | Efficient in fynbos ecosystems; moderate honey yield | Very productive; excellent for large-scale honey farming |
| Climate Adaptation | Thrives in Mediterranean-type climates (cool, wet winters) | Adapted to warmer, tropical and subtropical climates with summer rainfall |
| Beekeeping Considerations | Valuable in the Cape; problematic if moved north (causes colony collapse in Scutellata hives) | Preferred subspecies for most South African beekeepers, though defensive behaviour requires care |
| Morphology | Workers often smaller and darker; broader abdomen tip | Slightly lighter colour; slimmer abdomen tip |
FAQ: Cape vs African Honey Bees
What are the differences between Cape honey bees and African honey bees?
The Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) is native to the Western and Eastern Cape and has a unique ability for worker bees to lay eggs that develop into females.
The African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) is widespread across South Africa, highly productive, and known for its strong defensive behaviour.
Where do Cape and African honey bees live?
- Cape honey bee: Western Cape and parts of Eastern Cape, adapted to the fynbos ecosystem.
- African honey bee: Found across most of South Africa and into tropical Africa.
Why are Cape honey bees special?
Cape honey bee workers can reproduce without mating, producing female offspring. This behaviour, called thelytoky, is unique and can allow them to survive without a queen. However, it can also cause problems when they invade African honey bee colonies.
Why are African honey bees considered aggressive?
African honey bees are highly defensive and respond quickly to disturbances. Large numbers of bees may sting at once, which makes them harder to manage for beekeepers but effective at defending their colonies.
Which bee produces more honey?
- Cape honey bee: Efficient in pollinating fynbos but produces less honey on a large scale.
- African honey bee: Known for high honey production and rapid colony growth, making it the preferred choice for commercial beekeeping.
Can Cape bees be kept outside the Cape region?
No. Moving Cape honey bees outside their natural range is risky. They can invade African honey bee colonies and cause them to collapse. Regulations restrict their movement between provinces.
How can you tell the bees apart?
- Cape honey bee: Slightly smaller, darker, with a broader abdomen tip.
- African honey bee: Slightly lighter in colour, slimmer abdomen tip.
Microscopic examination is often needed for accurate identification.