Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping Book

First released in 1999, Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping is widely recognized as a major textbook of apiculture, used by universities, bee clubs, and instructors worldwide. This third edition (2022 update) has been revised and expanded to 480 pages, reflecting current knowledge in both bee biology and practical beekeeping.

The book concentrates on the "why," "how," and "when" of beekeeping — explaining biological principles in a way that's accessible without a deep scientific background, while still offering the depth serious students of apiculture want. Each of the 23 chapters includes a "Concepts" summary box and closes with discussion questions, exercises, and cited references, making it a useful structured learning tool as well as a reference.

What's Covered

Section 1 — Bee Biology: Introduction, Sociality, Anatomy and Physiology, Pheromones and Dance Language, The Bees' Nest, Queens, Bee Botany, and more.

Section 2 — Beekeeping: Getting Started, Management Basics, Seasonal Management (Fall, Winter, Spring), Honey Production and Products, Queen and Drone Rearing, Nucleus Colonies, Pollination, Bee Mites, and Diseases and Pests.

The book closes with a comprehensive glossary and index for ongoing reference in your apiary.

Book Details

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