Switzerland. Canton Ticino. Montagnola. A large number of female worker bees on an open hive which belongs to Alberto Bianchi, a beekeeper and an organic farmer (with the label Bio Suisse). Beekeeping (or apiculture) is the maintenance of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives, by humans. A beekeeper (or apiarist) keeps bees in order to collect honey and other products of the hive (including beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly). 31.05.12 © 2012 Didier Ruef