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Chimay, Belgium – Every summer, a remarkable natural event unfolds in the Belgian town of Chimay: the “wedding flight” of approximately 1,000 virgin queen bees. This annual pilgrimage isn’t a random occurrence, but a carefully orchestrated effort to bolster the dwindling population of the European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera), a native subspecies crucial to the region’s ecosystem. The process, while seemingly brutal – involving the death of male bees after mating – is proving vital for the species’ revival.

For decades, the dark bee, once widespread across northern, central, and western Europe, has faced a steep decline due to the introduction of hybridised bee species bred for higher honey production. This influx led to interbreeding, threatening the genetic integrity of the native bee. Now, conservationists and beekeepers are working to reverse this trend, and the wedding flight in Chimay is at the heart of their efforts.

Beekeepers from across Europe reserve spots at the Maison de l’Abeille Noire, or “dark bee house,” much like booking a campsite. Over a two-week period, these queens mate with up to 20 males, storing millions of sperm in a pouch within their abdomen – a reserve that can last for years. The fertilised queens are then transported, sometimes over 300km, back to their home apiaries in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany, carrying the genetic legacy of the dark bee.

A Sanctuary for a Native Species

The revival effort is largely thanks to the perform of Hubert Guerriat, a Belgian biologist and beekeeper who founded the South Hainaut beekeeping school in 1983. Guerriat’s organization, Mellifica, unites dark bee keepers across Europe, and he personally breeds hundreds of queens annually. He describes the difference between raising dark bees and hybrid varieties as akin to caring for a Scottish Highland cow versus an intensive dairy cow – “They are not the same animal,” he says.

Guerriat’s dedication has transformed the Chimay region into a protected zone spanning 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres), where beekeepers are permitted to keep only dark bees. Currently, an estimated 50 to 100 beekeepers participate, with plans to expand the protected area. This focused approach aims to maintain the purity of the dark bee’s genetic line and foster a thriving population.

Isabelle Noé, a local cheesemaker and beekeeper, exemplifies this commitment. Starting her colony in 2017 in a retrofitted Aldi van, she now manages over 100 hives. Noé’s hives are painted in vibrant colors and patterns, aiding the bees in returning to their correct homes. Last year, she harvested a tonne of honey, selling 250g pots for €4.50 (£3.90) as reported by The Guardian. She also produces lip balm, candles, and syrups from the dark bee honey.

Resilience and Sustainability

While dark bees typically produce less honey than hybrid varieties, beekeepers report fewer colony losses and reduced reliance on supplemental feeding. Guerriat emphasizes the importance of preserving native pollinators, stating, “Nature is like a high-precision watch. You can’t swap in one bee for another. Pollinators are not interchangeable.” He argues that the use of foreign bees contributes to the decline of native populations.

Beyond the efforts of beekeepers, conservationists are actively restoring wild dark bee populations by installing log hives in forests, replicating the natural nesting cavities lost due to deforestation. Estelle Doumont, a conservation biologist at the University of Liège, notes that protecting the dark bee also contributes to the overall resilience of forest ecosystems.

The dark bee’s inherent resilience is becoming increasingly apparent in the face of climate change. Guerriat’s beekeepers have observed that dark bees are less affected by sudden weather shifts and can better withstand cold and humidity – traits that allowed them to survive even during the last ice age in France. In 2024, while hybrid honeybees suffered from a rainy summer, the dark bee colonies fared comparatively well.

Research also suggests that locally-adapted honeybees, like the dark bee, are more resistant to diseases and parasites, and potentially to invasive species like the Asian hornet, which poses a significant threat to honeybee production across Europe. Dark bees’ tendency to remain in the hive during peak hornet activity in September and October may offer a degree of protection, though Guerriat notes this remains a hypothesis.

As beekeepers grapple with the challenges of a changing climate and increasing threats to bee health, the dark bee serves as a reminder of the value of local biodiversity and its potential for resilience. The annual wedding flight in Chimay is not just a biological event. it’s a symbol of a dedicated effort to safeguard a vital part of Europe’s natural heritage.

The future of the dark bee hinges on continued conservation efforts and the expansion of protected zones. Further research into the bee’s resilience to climate change and invasive species will be crucial. The success of the Chimay model could pave the way for similar initiatives across Europe, ensuring the survival of this important pollinator for generations to come.

What are your thoughts on the importance of preserving native bee species? Share your comments below and support spread awareness about this critical conservation effort.