Russian-derived honey bee stock traces to the Primorsky region of far eastern Russia and was developed in the United States through USDA breeding work.
Resistance is useful, but not immunity
Selected Russian stocks can suppress Varroa population growth relative to susceptible stocks. The benefit depends on the actual breeding line and mating. Continue mite monitoring and use appropriate control when needed.
Ask breeders about temperament, queen lineage and local performance. Avoid treating a single percentage reduction as a guarantee for every colony.
Source: NC State Extension — The Different Types of Honey Bees
Compare all seven honey bee varieties in Beyond Varroa
Information sheet
Open or download the original full-size Russian bee sheet
The original image remains available for reference. The reviewed text above clarifies the limits of stock-level resistance claims; it does not guarantee a fixed reduction for every colony.
VarroaDestructor.com · BeekeepersLibrary.com · Reviewed October 14, 2026
