Wild ground-nesting bees might be exposed to lethal levels of neonics in soil.

December 11, 2019

In a first-ever study investigating the risk of neonicotinoid insecticides to ground-nesting bees, University of Guelph researchers have discovered at least one species is being exposed to lethal levels of the chemicals in the soil. Examining the presence of these commonly used pesticides in soil is important given the majority of bee species in Canada … More Wild ground-nesting bees might be exposed to lethal levels of neonics in soil.

Bigger = better: Big bees fly better in hotter temps than smaller ones do.

December 8, 2019

New research provides a lesson in bee physiology and flies in the face of the temperature-size ‘rule’ Arizona State University researchers have found that larger tropical stingless bee species fly better in hot conditions than smaller bees do. Larger size may help certain bee species better tolerate high body temperatures. The findings run contrary to the … More Bigger = better: Big bees fly better in hotter temps than smaller ones do.

Genomes of parasitic mites harming the world’s bees.

December 5, 2019

Honey bee colony collapse has devastating consequences for the environment, the global economy, and food security worldwide. The culprits behind some of the destruction — parasitic Varroa mites — are just a couple of millimeters in size, and they infiltrate colonies and infect bees with viruses. Yet surprisingly little is known about the mite’s biology. Researchers from … More Genomes of parasitic mites harming the world’s bees.

U.S. beekeepers lost over 40 percent of colonies last year, the highest winter losses ever recorded. Results point to a need for increased research, extension, and best management practices.

November 27, 2019

Beekeepers across the United States lost 40.7% of their honey bee colonies from April 2018 to April 2019, according to preliminary results of the latest annual nationwide survey conducted by the University of Maryland-led nonprofit Bee Informed Partnership. Honey bees pollinate $15 billion worth of food crops in the United States each year. The survey … More U.S. beekeepers lost over 40 percent of colonies last year, the highest winter losses ever recorded. Results point to a need for increased research, extension, and best management practices.

New findings about the deformed wing virus, a major factor in honey bee colony mortality.

November 24, 2019

Tough life of Bees. In recent years, massive losses of honey bee colonies have occurred during winter in Europe and North America. It could be shown that the Varroa mite and the deformed wing virus are the main factors responsible for the alarming bee mortality. Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna have succeeded … More New findings about the deformed wing virus, a major factor in honey bee colony mortality.