Maltese honeybee declared as Malta’s national insect

In a landmark decision, the Maltese honeybee has been officially declared Malta’s national insect, joining five other national species that symbolise the country’s natural heritage. Known locally as “in-naħla ta’ Malta,” the Maltese honeybee is a unique subspecies that evolved in isolation on the Maltese Islands, perfectly adapted to the region’s hot, dry summers and mild winters.

First described by entomologist Friedrich Ruttner in 1975, A. m. ruttneri is distinguished by its smaller size compared to other A. mellifera subspecies and its darker coloration. This subspecies is known for its defensive behavior, a trait that likely evolved due to its isolated island habitat.

The Maltese honeybee is an essential part of local agriculture and biodiversity, providing crucial pollination services that support the growth of various crops and plant species. In addition to producing honey, beeswax, and other valuable products, the honeybee plays a vital role in maintaining environmental balance.

The new designation not only recognises the importance of this species but also brings stronger legal protection and greater public awareness of its significance. By highlighting the honeybee’s role, the government aims to boost conservation efforts and ensure the continued health of Malta’s ecosystems. This is particularly crucial given the subspecies’ limited geographic range and the global threats faced by honey bees.

The Maltese honeybee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), a unique subspecies endemic to the Maltese Islands, is facing an alarming risk of extinction. This bee, vital for agriculture and biodiversity, has evolved to thrive in Malta’s hot, arid summers, making it an essential pollinator. However, the Maltese honeybee is now under severe threat due to climate change, habitat loss, and the hybridisation with imported honeybee species, particularly the Italian bee (Apis mellifera ligustica).

A recent study conducted by the MEDIBEES project revealed that only 12.8% of sampled bees in Malta are pure Maltese honeybees, with the majority of the population hybridised with imported species. This hybridisation, driven by the importation of queen bees from Italy, jeopardises the genetic integrity of the local subspecies. The study found that just six out of 47 samples were purely Maltese, with others showing genetic links to Italian and even Algerian bees.

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honeybee has raised urgent concerns, warning that the local subspecies is on the brink of extinction unless decisive action is taken. The foundation advocates for an immediate ban on the importation of foreign honeybees to safeguard the genetic purity of the Maltese honeybee.

Speaking at the announcement, environment minister Miriam Dalli said, “This declaration is a proud moment for Malta. The Maltese honeybee is a symbol of our natural heritage and a key player in sustaining both our environment and agriculture.”

Agriculture minister Anton Refalo added, “This is another milestone that complements the government’s work in preserving local genetic resources and promoting agricultural products.”

The initiative aligns with broader conservation efforts led by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and other government bodies. These include the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, which involves volunteers and citizen scientists in biodiversity monitoring and aims to protect pollinators across the islands.