Ligustica

Ligustica is a Latin epithet used in scientific names to indicate origin from Liguria, a coastal region of northwestern Italy. It is best known for Apis mellifera ligustica, the Italian honey bee, a subspecies of the western honey bee widely kept for honey production and pollination.

Taxonomy and distribution: As a subspecies, A. m. ligustica was historically selected in Italy for traits favorable to apiculture. The native range is the Liguria region and parts of nearby Italy, but the subspecies has been introduced around the world and persists in many managed colonies.

Characteristics and behavior: Italian bees are generally described as gentle and easy to manage, with strong broodrearing and prolific nectar foraging in suitable climates. They tend to be good travelers, store substantial honey, and integrate readily with common beekeeping practices. Like other honey bee subspecies, performance is influenced by environment, management, and disease pressure.

In beekeeping and research: A. m. ligustica has been used widely in queen breeding programs and as a standard stock in temperate zones. It serves as a reference subspecies in comparative studies of honey bee behavior, genetics, and disease resistance.

See also: Apis mellifera, Liguria, Subspecies of Apis mellifera.