Bee varieties having the following desirable characters to be suitable for honey production:
(i) High yield - They should yield high quantity of honey. The bee varieties reared should produce more honey. 
(ii) Less Stings - They should not sting much. bees reared should sting less so that they can be reared easily and the honey can be obtained easily.
(iii) Long stay - They should stay in the beehive for long durations.
(iv) Good breeding - They should breed very well.