Month: October 2019

Microscopy research helps unravel the workings of a major honey bee pest.

October 30, 2019

Varroa mites do not feed on bee blood (hemolymph fluid) Research by scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Maryland released today sheds new light — and reverses decades of scientific dogma — regarding a honey bee pest (Varroa destructor) that is considered the greatest single driver of the global honey … More Microscopy research helps unravel the workings of a major honey bee pest.

Dangerous bee virus might be innocent bystander. Beekeepers urged to rethink fears around deadly virus.

October 27, 2019

Researchers at the University of Sydney have found that the relationship between the tissue-sucking Varroa mite and virulence of a virus of honey bees, has most likely been misunderstood.   The study challenges the long-held belief that the  parasitic Varroa mite — a mite that sucks the tissue of honey bees — transmits the Deformed Wing Virus of honeybees … More Dangerous bee virus might be innocent bystander. Beekeepers urged to rethink fears around deadly virus.

World’s biggest bee found!

October 24, 2019

Wallace’s giant bee has been rediscovered in Indonesia An international team of scientists and conservationists has announced the finding of what many consider to be the ‘holy grail’ of bee discoveries –the rare Wallace’s giant bee. The bee (Megachile pluto) is the world’s largest, with a wingspan more than six centimetres (2.5 inches). Despite its conspicuous … More World’s biggest bee found!

Newly identified bacteria may help bees nourish their young.

October 21, 2019

Researchers have identified three bacteria that may help prevent spoilage of the pollen that wild bees provision for their offspring. A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside have isolated three previously unknown bacterial species from wild bees and flowers. The bacteria, which belong to the genus Lactobacillus, may play a role in preserving the nectar and pollen that female … More Newly identified bacteria may help bees nourish their young.