Bee types

[Davepeg]

Only been keeping bees a few years.  I know there are different types of honey bees.  We have one hive that all appear to have huge honeybees.  At first I thought they were all drones, but the drones are even bigger than the girls!  Even the babies are big!  And this hive is a bit more "fussy" than the other 5 we have.  I always wear a veil around this group. 

I believe (but can't swear) that this hive came from Betterbee.  We have had it for 3 years now.  Is there an easy way to determine type of bee?  Do I need to?

Peg

[Bee-Bop]

Do a Google you can find pictures of the breeds.

" Even the babies look big "

There are no " baby bees", bees are born fully grown !
 The hardening of the exoskelton and fluffing out of the hairs within a few hours can make them look a tad larger. [ Source- Hive Management p. 52 ]

Bee-Bop

[Vibe]

Do a Google you can find pictures of the breeds.
Bee-Bop

Then a few links won't be difficult. My Google searches have beeen unproductive in this area.

" Even the babies look big "

There are no " baby bees", bees are born fully grown !
Bee-Bop

Someone forgot to tell my bees this. I have bees within the same hive that are quite a bit different in size, but are marked the same. And the stings are quite a bit differet as well. The "younger" bees I've been stung and not felt it at all - had I not been watching, I wouldn't have known it. Others have felt like molten lead being poured on my arm. We've been attributing this to the age and development of the venom.
 

[sc-bee]

>Is there an easy way to determine type of bee?  Do I need to?

No need to know. Most probably a mix after open mating anyway. As long as you are fond of them --- they be keepers ;)!