Tellian bee

Scientific name: Apis mellifera intermissa
Regions: North (Tunisian Tell, Kroumirie, Mogods, Cap Bon)
Center (Kairouan Plains, Sahel, Tunisian Dorsale)
South (oases and coastal fringes, although less dominant)

Domestic (social) bee

Indigenous and predominant (the basis of Tunisian beekeeping)

Mediterranean (humid, sub-humid, semi-arid to arid)

All year round, with a peak of activity and egg-laying in spring (March-May) and a second peak in autumn (September-October). Egg-laying stops or significantly reduces in summer (July-August) and winter (December-January).

Very common / Not globally threatened, but threatened by genetic pollution from uncontrolled imports of other races (Carnica, Ligustica).

Size

12 - 14 mm (workers)

Color

Entirely black or very dark, with no visible yellow or orange bands on the abdomen.

Specifics

Stocky body, grey to brown pubescence, relatively short tongue (6.2 mm), high cubital index.

Aggressiveness

High. Very defensive, reacts quickly to disturbances, produces a lot of alarm pheromone.

Swarming

Very high. Natural tendency for excessive swarming during periods of strong nectar flow or when the colony becomes crowded.

Propolis Use

Very high. Uses significant amounts of propolis to seal the hive and reduce the entrance.

Robbing

Moderate to high during periods of scarcity.

Exceptional hardiness. Perfectly adapted to prolonged droughts, wide temperature fluctuations, and hot southern winds (Sirocco). It drastically regulates its egg-laying: if there are no resources, the queen stops laying eggs to preserve reserves.

This is the most profitable bee in Tunisia in the long term due to its resilience. However, it requires rigorous management of swarming (artificial divisions, increasing space) and gentle handling techniques to limit aggressiveness. Excellent producer of forest (eucalyptus) and maquis honey.

Major pollinator of Tunisian wild flora (rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, citrus fruits) and agricultural crops.