Which honeybee has been favored in the United States since the 1990s for its desirable traits?

The favored honeybee in the United States since the 1990s has been the mixed hybrids from Russian imports due to their numerous desirable traits. These hybrids have been valued for their resilience to winter conditions, reduced susceptibility to varroa mites, and their overall ability to adapt to various environmental factors. The Russian honeybees were introduced as a means to improve hive health and productivity, and breeders have developed hybrids that exhibit these beneficial characteristics.

In contrast, the other bee types listed have not been as prevalent in recent beekeeping practices in the U.S. For example, Apis mellifera mellifera, commonly known as the European dark bee, has not been as widely adopted due to its tendency to be less productive in warmer climates compared to hybrid varieties. Apis mellifera carnica, or the Carniolan bee, is known for its good temperament and ability to gather nectar, yet it has not reached the same level of favor as the Russian hybrids. Lastly, Apis mellifera linguistica is not a recognized subspecies widely discussed in the context of American beekeeping, further supporting that mixed hybrids from Russian imports are the primary choice for many beekeepers seeking strong, healthy colonies.