The Italian honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica) originates from continental Italy, south of the Alps and north of Sicily. It likely survived the last Ice Age in Italy and is genetically distinct from Iberian and Sicilian honey bees. Often called the Ligurian bee, it is the most widely distributed honey bee subspecies, thriving in subtropical to cool temperate climates but struggling in humid tropical regions.

Adapted to the warmer Mediterranean climate, Italian bees are less suited to harsh winters and cool, wet springs. They form looser winter clusters, leading to higher food consumption due to increased heat loss. Their tendency to raise brood late into autumn further increases food needs.

Italian bees were first introduced to Britain in 1854 by Thomas White Woodbury, who considered them vastly superior to the native English Black bee.

🚚 Special Next Day Delivery – To ensure safe delivery of your queen bees, please choose Special Delivery with tracking at the checkout.

🐝 A marked, open-mated Italian queen in a slow-release introduction cage (not clipped). 📦 Secure ventilated packaging to keep your queen safe during transit. 🔎 Fully tracked delivery – You’ll receive email & text updates, plus a tracking code on dispatch day.

📍 Double-check your address! We can’t be responsible for failed deliveries due to incorrect details or if no one is available to sign for the package. 📅 Choose your dispatch date carefully – Your queen will arrive the following day. If selecting ‘ASAP’, we’ll send it as soon as available, but date-specific orders take priority. ✉️ Royal Mail Special Delivery (Pre-1pm) – Must be signed for on arrival. We guarantee live arrival only when using this service. If your queen arrives damaged or dead, we will replace her free of charge. 🐝 Queen Introduction – Queens should be introduced as soon as they arrive. Colonies must be hopelessly queenless before opening fondant tabs.

🛒 Order separately – Queen bee orders must not be combined with other products, as they are available at different times of the year. Any excess postage will be refunded.

🚫 We cannot guarantee a successful introduction – Bees are wild creatures, and while we provide guidance, we cannot be held responsible if the introduction is unsuccessful.