I read the Gozo News article: “Asian Honey Bee discovered in Malta for first time” (28 August issue). It would be interesting to know exactly how that rare species of Red Dwarf Honey Bee (or Apis florea) found its way to Malta. Did it simply migrate? Or, did a human tourist bring it to Malta by ship or by airplane? Perhaps we will never know.

I was intrigued by the article saying that the honeycomb measured 22cm in length, 15cm in height, and 9cm in width. Furthermore, there were an estimated 2,000 bees who inhabited it, although the queen was not located. From my limited knowledge that colony must have been there a long time.

My late great-uncle Ray White, was a bee-keeper and he knew a lot about colonies. If the queen survived, perhaps a new colony will be started (or other hives may exist).

Although the University of Malta said the species is “risky to the natural biodiversity”; it just may blend in.

James A Marples,

Longview, Texas, USA.

Photo: University of Malta

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