Colin and Barry in Nepal

This the first blog from Nepal , we've been here for 12 days and enjoyed almost all of that time.  More to follow if the power cuts permit.

On day 10 of our stay in Nepal Jim, our Nepalese host hired a “van” (Suzuki people carrier) and took the family, Jenee, Sakar,Raj Kumar plus Colin and I to see several colonies of the Asian Hornet and a colony of Cliff bees or, (I think), Apis Dorsata.  The Nepalese names for these are “Oringal” and vheera mauree respectively.  The largest of the hornet nests was roughly spherical and about 30” in diameter.  Colin and I took numerous photos although we were very cautious about getting too close as the Hornet’s sting is we were told extremely painful and more than 2 or 3 of them can be dangerous.  The cliff bees were clustered on what appeared to be a single comb which was attached to the branch of a tree.  We estimated the comb to be 3” thick, 3’ wide and 2’6” deep.  Again we were advised to take care, Jim said that if the branch was shaken the bees would attack en-masse.We are fairly confident of our ID but will consult the internet to make sure. 

Colin and I have purchased two hives, as used by local people, the dimensions areas shown in the attached photo.  The supers and brood boxes are 6”and 8” and they are designed for top bees-pace of 1/8”.  We’ve watched several hives opened, all of them Apis cerana and the beekeepers never bothered with veils or with smoking the hive. The main differences between cerana and mellifera, as noted from very limited observation, are as follows for cerana:-

 Much smaller, about 3/8”.

Bright yellow stripes on a black abdomen.

The queen is easily seen, she’s jet black.

No propolis or brace comb were noted in the hive.

They seem much less aggressive, Colin only got 3 stings!

Colony numbers seem less.

Few guards at the hive entrance.

Photos are on the Photos from nepal page (I think)