Bee Family Tree

Buckfast Queen. Installed on April 12, 2025.

A much more calm and slow moving hive, but still active. The queen is a lovely honey color. They are in the blue boxes.

Died: October 2, 2025 - Varroa Bomb and Wasp Attack

Carniolan Queen. Created through a queen right split from Nefertiti. Split and installed on June 18, 2025.

I split this hive the same day I put the new queen in, and they did not end up building any additional queen cells. They also released the queen faster. However, the hive was slower to grow as the brood has taken longer to be born. The queen is a soft honey color with tan banding. They are in the purple boxes.

Died: February 22, 2026 - Only went into winter with 8 frames, was not large enough to make it through winter. Held on a long time. Could have possibly made it if they were compressed tigher or had more young bees to get through winter.

Buckfast queen. Installed on Aril 12, 2025.

Right from the get go, these ladies were fierce and rearing to go. They are noticeably more active and have been producing quickly. The queen is beautiful with a prominent dark end. They are in the red boxes.

Died: March 23, 2026. Dysentery. A very long and cold winter gave the bees no chance to go outside and do cleansing flights. Cleo was a powerhose, and her loss was devastating.