The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifies three distinct beehive categories based primarily on the bee species and their required "bee space." The latest specifications define Type A and Type B hives for Apis cerana (Indian honey bees) and Type C hives for Apis mellifera (European honey bees), with frame capacities ranging from 4 to 10 frames depending on the type.
The critical differentiator in BIS hive specifications is "bee space"—the precise gap required for bees to move freely between combs. Selecting a hive with incorrect spacing for your specific bee species will lead to poor comb construction and colony management issues.
Classification by Species and Dimensions
The BIS standards divide hives into types to accommodate the physical size differences between indigenous and introduced bee species.
Type A: For Apis cerana (Small Cluster)
This hive is designed for the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana. It features a tighter bee space of 7 or 8 mm.
It is versatile regarding colony size, accommodating 10, 8, or 4 frames.
Type B: For Apis cerana (Larger Cluster)
Also designed for Apis cerana, the Type B hive offers a slightly larger bee space of 9 mm.
Like Type A, it is standardized to hold 10, 8, or 4 frames, allowing for flexibility based on colony strength.
Type C: For Apis mellifera
This specification is exclusively for Apis mellifera, the European honey bee, which is physically larger than its Indian counterpart.
It requires the widest bee space of 10 mm to accommodate the larger bee size. These hives are standardized to hold either 10 or 6 frames.
Material and Construction Standards
Beyond dimensions, BIS provides strict guidelines on materials to ensure the durability of the hive and the health of the colony.
Timber Selection
Hives should be constructed from seasoned timber to prevent warping. Recommended woods include teak, kail, or toon.
Wood Quality
The timber must be free from structural defects. This includes ensuring there are no insect holes, dead knots, shakes, splits, or cracks that could compromise the hive's integrity.
Wall Thickness
To provide adequate insulation and structural support, the standard thickness for wooden walls is set at 20 mm.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Adhering to dimensions is not enough; construction quality is equally vital for long-term success.
The Risk of Incorrect Bee Space
If you place Apis cerana in a Type C hive (10 mm space), they will likely build burr comb (irregular comb) to bridge the extra gap. Conversely, putting Apis mellifera in a Type A hive will cause them to propolize (seal) the gaps, making frame manipulation impossible.
The Impact of Unseasoned Wood
Using unseasoned timber is a critical error. As the wood dries, it creates gaps and warps, altering the critical bee space dimensions and exposing the colony to pests or weather.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your hive type based on the specific biology of your bee stock and your operational scale.
- If your primary focus is keeping indigenous bees (Apis cerana): Choose Type A or Type B based on the specific strain size in your region, ensuring a 7–9 mm bee space.
- If your primary focus is commercial beekeeping with European bees (Apis mellifera): You must use Type C hives to provide the necessary 10 mm bee space and larger frame options.
- If your primary focus is equipment longevity: strictly verify that walls are a full 20 mm thick and made of defect-free, seasoned teak or kail.
Success in beekeeping begins with a hive that physically matches the biology of the colony it houses.
Summary Table:
| Hive Type | Target Bee Species | Required Bee Space | Frame Capacity Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Apis cerana (Small) | 7 mm or 8 mm | 4, 8, or 10 Frames |
| Type B | Apis cerana (Large) | 9 mm | 4, 8, or 10 Frames |
| Type C | Apis mellifera | 10 mm | 6 or 10 Frames |
| Materials | Seasoned Timber | 20 mm Thickness | Teak, Kail, or Toon |
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