Dark Bee Nucleus Colony on Simplex Frames

By choosing our Dark Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera), you are selecting the original honey bee of Central Europe, native to Germany and large parts of Europe. The Dark Bee is especially valued for its exceptional resilience, high robustness, and excellent overwintering ability, particularly in cooler and changeable climates.

In addition to its cold resistance, the Dark Bee is often credited with better natural coping mechanisms against the Varroa mite compared to many modern breeding lines. Its pronounced hygienic behavior and natural adaptability make it an excellent choice for beekeepers who value original genetics and hardy, resilient bee colonies.

Our Dark Bee nucleus colonies on Simplex frames are carefully assembled and consist of a strong, well-balanced population on 5 frames. Each nucleus colony is thoroughly checked for health and vitality prior to dispatch. Upon request, a health certificate can be provided after receipt of the bees. You receive high-quality Dark Bees directly from a specialized breeder.

Dark Bee Nucleus Colonies on Simplex Size – Powerful Even Under Challenging Conditions

The Scandinavian Apis mellifera mellifera has proven itself particularly under average to poor weather conditions. In cool, windy, or unstable weather, it shows high activity and strong performance. Compared to modern bee strains such as Buckfast, it is often more persistent, builds combs reliably, and continues to collect nectar even under suboptimal conditions.

Our Dark Bee queen has been carefully evaluated and shows a slightly more lively character than traditional Finnish lines. This trait goes hand in hand with enhanced resilience and adaptability. When it comes to gentleness, honesty is important: a true Dark Bee will generally not reach the docility of highly bred Carnica or Buckfast lines, as its original traits prioritize survival and robustness. However, during good nectar flow and normal temperatures, our Dark Bee colonies are calm and manageable. We advise against opening colonies during thunderstorms or very unstable weather.

Your benefits at a glance:

• High honey yields, especially in moderate to poor weather

• Lively and resilient bee strain

• Exceptional robustness and adaptability

Composition of the Dark Bee Nucleus Colony on Simplex Frames

Our Dark Bee nucleus colonies on Simplex frames are ideal for introducing a young, high-performing colony with a proven queen into your hive. Each nucleus colony consists of 5 Simplex frames, including:

• 3 brood frames with open and capped brood

• 1 food frame to ensure reliable nutrition

• 1 partially built frame to support natural comb construction

Each nucleus colony also includes a mated and tested Dark Bee queen bred from purebred queen lines. She ensures stable colony development and the long-term sustainability of the bee population.

Depending on weather conditions and colony development, delivery usually takes place from early June onwards. The desired delivery period can be conveniently selected in the product options.

Simplex Frames the Dutch Standard Size

Our Dark Bee nucleus colonies are supplied on Simplex frames in the Dutch standard size (435 × 218 mm). The frames are pre-wired and precisely manufactured, providing a stable foundation for comb building and seamless integration into existing Simplex hive systems.

Thanks to the identical frame size between nucleus colony and hive, relocation is particularly easy for the bees. This ensures stress-free acclimatization, promotes rapid development, and protects the bees’ long-term health.

Stress-Free Shipping & Buy Dark Bee Nucleus Colonies on Simplex Frames Online

To ensure that your Dark Bee nucleus colonies on Simplex frames arrive healthy, strong, and with minimal stress, we use exclusively specially designed bee transport boxes. These ensure secure frame fixation, adequate food supply, and optimal airflow throughout transport. Shipping is carried out via overnight express to keep transport time as short as possible.

Approximately 2–7 days before dispatch, you will be informed by email of the exact delivery date, allowing you to prepare for immediate installation. Please ensure that you are available at the delivery address (home or apiary) at the specified time so the bees can be promptly transferred into the hive.

We deliver our Dark Bee nucleus colonies on Simplex frames to Germany, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Delivery to islands is only possible if a direct road connection to the mainland exists, ensuring safe and stress-free transport of the bees.