Bees and Butterflies in Varberg — Online Webcam
Webcam with Bees and Butterflies in Varberg
The online camera is installed in the Swedish town of Varberg, Halland region, and is pointed at a beehive. The live stream allows you to observe the life of honey bees in real time — their activity at the hive, flights around it, and interaction with the surrounding environment. Butterflies and flowering plants also appear in the frame, creating a complete picture of the pollinator ecosystem on Sweden's west coast.
Bees of Sweden: Carniolan Breed and Nordic Brown Bee
Sweden is unique in its approach to beekeeping. The country breeds Carniolan bees (Apis mellifera carnica), a subspecies of the western honey bee characterized by moderate swarming and the ability to adapt to colder conditions compared to other subspecies. This makes them particularly suitable for the Scandinavian climate.
In addition to imported breeds, Sweden is home to the Nordic brown bee, a local subspecies adapted to northern conditions. When hybridized with imported subspecies, including the Carniolan, it loses the purity of its genetic line and therefore requires special conditions for preservation.
In 2021, the first nationwide study of 382 Swedish apiaries was conducted, documenting the baseline prevalence of the Varroa destructor mite and associated viruses in bees across the country. This study became an important step in understanding the health of bee colonies in Sweden.
Butterflies of Sweden: Species Diversity
Sweden has a rich lepidofauna. The official list of butterfly species in Sweden includes dozens of species that are considered sensitive indicators of environmental conditions. Butterflies play an important role in ecosystems, although studies show that in Sweden they are relatively minor pollinators compared to bees and flies.
Studies of seasonal patterns of butterflies and hawkmoths in Sweden confirm that these groups play a role in certain ecosystems, especially in areas with abundant flowering vegetation.
Pollinator Ecosystem in Southern Sweden
Research conducted in southern Sweden has shown a positive correlation between butterfly species richness and the average number of flowering plant species, as well as the size of green infrastructure. This means that the greater the diversity of flowering plants in a region, the richer the pollinator fauna.
The Halland region, where Varberg is located, is characterized by coastal landscapes and a temperate climate, creating favorable conditions for bees and butterflies. Green zones and sown wildflower strips around the city support pollinator diversity.
Varberg and Halland Region
Varberg is a town on the west coast of Sweden, in Halland County. This region has a rich history: Halland came under Swedish jurisdiction through the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645, and the town of Varberg became Swedish during the same period.
The west coast of Sweden, washed by the Kattegat Strait, has a mild maritime climate. This contributes to earlier plant flowering and a longer period of pollinator activity compared to inland regions of the country.
Bee Activity at Different Times of the Year
Observing a bee colony through the webcam in Varberg allows you to track seasonal changes in insect behavior. During the active flowering period, bees make mass flights for nectar and pollen, which is clearly visible on the stream.
During the winter period, bees in Sweden are in a state of dormancy, clustering together to conserve heat. The camera allows you to observe how the colony reacts to changes in temperature and lighting, which is particularly interesting for studying bee adaptation to the northern climate.
What You Can See on the Camera
The online camera is pointed at a beehive and the surrounding area. In the frame you can observe:
— The bee colony at the hive entrance, where insects constantly shuttle back and forth, bringing pollen and nectar.
— Bee flights around the hive, including orientation flights of young individuals.
— Butterflies that appear on flowering plants near the apiary.
— Flowering plants that serve as a food source for pollinators.
At night, the image may be unclear due to insufficient lighting, but during the day and evening hours the stream shows a detailed picture of the bee colony's life. A timestamp is displayed on the screen for accurate recording of observation time.
