ABSTRACT
Much of the rapid spread of the Africanized bees in South America can be attributed to its rapid colony growth as well as to its high adaptation to tropical and sub-tropical conditions and its swarming behaviour. The African bees were introduced into Brazil in November, 1956. One of the most striking facts about the pure adansonii bees in their native habitat is the great variability in their behaviour, especially concerning aggressiveness, under different climatic conditions. The difference of aggressiveness of the Africanized bees tested decreased when the samples were under the same environmental conditions. When the first Africanized bees appear, there is a great divergence of opinion among the apicultural leaders of each country. Many extension programs were carried out by extensionists, contributing also to the renovation of apiculture with Africanized bees and, consequently to the rebirth of Brazil's bee industry.
