Breeding the Best Queens
Observation and Selection
At the core of our queen breeding program is a principle known as phenotyping.
Phenotyping is a selective breeding approach based on observed characteristics, or phenotypes, rather than the more “high tech” genetic coding. These characteristics are shaped by both genetics (nature) and environment (nurture), something we often study in psychology with humans, but which is also valid in animals/insects. While genetics play a major role in both animals and humans, we now that environment also significantly influences behavior, health, and performance in both.
This interaction between genes and environment is called phenotypic plasticity. In simple terms, it means genes do not act in isolation. Their expression is also influenced by various environmental conditions.
Genetics, Environment, and Expression
Consider a person who carries a gene associated with an autoimmune disease. That disease may never appear unless certain environmental triggers, such as exposure to a specific virus, “activate” it. Conversely, someone may have a genetic predisposition toward conditions like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, yet never develop them due to a healthy diet, lifestyle choices, and avoidance of known risk factors.
Even the most advanced genetic breeding efforts such instrumental insemination, controlled pairings, or detailed genomic analysis, cannot guarantee that a desired trait will ever be expressed in the organism (such as the queen honey bee). Genes create potential, not certainty. Or, as I often put it in my psychology classes, “Genes INFLUENCE behavior but do not CONTROL it.” That applies to other things besides behavior as well.
What This Means for Queen Breeding
So, what does all of this have to do with queen breeding and how we do things?
While we fully support efforts to improve honey bee genetics through instrumental insemination (I.I.) and other advanced techniques, we believe phenotyping remains essential, and practical. It isn’t in opposition to I.I., but can be a complement. In fact, from time to time, we may add I.I. Queens or drone offspring in our operation with known desired traits. We also support high tech genetic sequencing. But, observing colonies over time, under real-world conditions, reveals traits that no genetic profile alone can fully predict.
This approach is an intentional practice, that does not simply choose the most convenient or available. It does take effort, time, and intent.
A related concept is eugenics, which broadly includes the removal or exclusion of undesirable traits from reproduction. In beekeeping terms, this simply means not breeding from colonies that underperform or express problematic traits. In humans, eugenics is often controversial and often unethical. But, breeding the best queens or other animals is a different matter.
Preferences and Regional Differences
Another reality of phenotyping is that preferences vary. What one beekeeper values, another may not.
Additionally, traits that work well in one climate may perform poorly in another. The characteristics we prioritize are proven in southern climates, and while they may perform well elsewhere, they may not be ideal for northern or Canadian environments.
The Importance of Balance
Central to everything we do is balance. In fact, balance is central to everything in life. Too much of a good thing is often a bad thing.
One of the greatest risks in selective breeding is oversaturating a single desirable trait at the expense of others. History gives us many examples of this across plants, animals, and humans. For example:
- Plants have been bred for yield or disease resistance, often sacrificing flavor and nutrition, which led to the resurgence of the desire for heritage varieties.
- Dairy cattle were selected for extreme milk production, eventually resulting in reduced fertility.
- Humans, particularly in royal lineages in history, were bred for power or appearance through inbreeding. This often led to deformities, weakened immune systems, and other health issues.
Honey bees are no different.
Highly hygienic bees, for example, can sometimes “groom themselves to death” or produce significantly less honey. Large honey and population producers are, of course, desirable. But, if they are too busy with these things and lack sufficient hygienic behavior, the colony dies. As the saying goes, “dead bees don’t make honey.” A large, beautiful queen may look impressive, but “pretty doesn’t make honey”.
Again, it’s about balance.
How We Breed Queens
We periodically introduce selected breeder queens known to express traits we value. However, our primary method is selecting breeders is from within our own operation from colonies that consistently perform well in our environment, and have the observed characteristics we want. Our queens will perform well nation-wide, and in various climates internationally, but they are especially suited for the southern U.S.
Key elements of our approach include the intentional selection of breeder queens, the periodic introduction of new genetics to maintain diversity, and the strategic management of drones, which are often overlooked but are equally important in ensuring overall queen quality. We have selected mating areas, and drone flooding efforts, because it really does “take two to tango” as the saying goes.
What We Look for in Our Breeder Queens
These are the traits we prioritize, and what we strive to provide our customers:
Hygienic Behavior & Low Mite Counts
This is our first priority. We routinely test our colonies, and any queen from a colony with comparatively high mite counts is excluded from breeding, even if other traits are strong. Remember, “Dead bees don’t make honey.”
High Honey Production
Balance matters here as well. We select from colonies that demonstrate strong populations, hygienic behavior, and exceptional honey production. Practically speaking, we choose breeders from colonies with the largest stacks of supers in a given yard. Part of this quality include high early populations. That makes our queens also good for pollination purposes.
Gentle Temperament
We’ve worked mean bees, and it’s just not worth it. While aggressive bees sometimes make more honey, many hobbyists and commercial beekeepers alike prefer not to work “spicy” colonies. Extremely gentle bees can occasionally underperform, but colonies with balanced defensiveness often produce the best results. We look for colonies that are the gentlest of the best performers, and none that might take the joy out of beekeeping. This also means requeening overly defensive colonies, as well as removing their drones.
Overwintering Ability
We do not select breeder queens that have not successfully overwintered at least one, and preferably at least two, winters. Even daughters of proven queens must prove themselves.
Spring Buildup
We favor queens that maintain moderate to strong winter populations. While not everyone prefers this trait, we find these colonies overwinter better in our climate and are ideal for spring splits. Larger colonies consume more food but also collect more stores collectively, both in preparation for winter, but also during honey making season.
Queen Appearance
This is lower on our list, but it matters. Extremely large queens are fascinating but often underperform. Very small queens may lay well but lack longevity. We look for a well-proportioned, average-sized queen.
Propolis Production
We avoid breeding from colonies that produce excessive propolis, as it makes colonies difficult to work. However, research clearly shows the importance of propolis to colony health. We aim for moderation (again, everything in balance). We do maintain a few high-propolis colonies for our own purposes (propolis production/collection). Queens from those lines are available by special order.
Our Philosophy
The bottom line is simple: we breed queens we want to use ourselves. If we wouldn’t use it, we won’t sell it.
We strive to have queens available throughout the season for those who need them. Our queens are open-mated in carefully selected and proven breeding areas. They are primarily Italian in genetics, with intentional inclusion of Caucasian and other lines to maintain healthy diversity.
Remember—too much of even a good thing can be a bad thing. Everything in balance!
(c) James C. Guy, 2025 (permission to share the webpage link only)
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