[1][2] It is very similar to Apis mellifera ligustica, or the Italian bee.

It is favored for its extreme gentleness and lack of tendency to swarm.

This species prefers warm temperatures, owing to its Mediterranean origin, and cannot survive in northern Europe's cooler climate.

[citation needed] Due to that, they are seldom kept outside of southern Greece.

[citation needed] Greek bees generally tend to build up very quickly in the spring, with the queens being very prolific, resulting in strong hives.