Reduced worker relatedness does not affect cooperation in honey bee colonies

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 1542-1545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn M Underwood ◽  
Michael J Lewis ◽  
James F Hare
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Kin Selection ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Production Worker ◽  
Brood Production ◽  
Eusocial Insects ◽  
Honey Production ◽  
Drone Brood ◽  
Bee Colonies

Although kin selection is commonly regarded as a major force in the evolution and maintenance of social behaviour in eusocial insects, recent controversy regarding whether honey bee (Apis mellifera L., 1758) workers can discriminate close kin from more distant relatives casts doubt on the extent to which cooperation among individuals within honey bee colonies is controlled by genetic relatedness. We contrasted brood and honey production in colonies where we diluted worker relatedness with those elements of productivity in colonies where relatedness was unmanipulated. Relatedness manipulation did not affect overall brood production, worker or drone brood production, the worker to drone brood sex ratio, or the volume of honey produced. Thus, there is no evidence that honey bees discriminate close from distant relatives or, more importantly, that dilution of the coefficient of relatedness within a colony has any impact on the efficiency of that colony.

scholarly journals PROSPECT BUDIDAYA USAHA LEBAH MADU (Trigona sp) DENGAN METODE TOPING DAN STUP

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Safrin Edy ◽  
Laode Al Hemawan Ardi
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Feasibility Analysis ◽  
Business Opportunity ◽  
Honey Production ◽  
Business Opportunities ◽  
Additional Costs ◽  
Bee Colonies

This study aims to analyze the feasibility of the business and analyze the opportunities and threats of Trigona Ongka farm in Laompo Village, Batauga District, South Buton Regency. The research was conducted from January to February 2020 in Laompo Village, Batauga District, South Buton Regency. The sample in this study was 1 (one) honeybee breeders (Trigona sp). The method used is the independent sample t-test and the R / C feasibility analysis. Business opportunities and threats are analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that the business feasibility of Trigona sp honey bee livestock through the STUP and topping method was 1.5, (R/C > 1), meaning that each additional cost incurred resulted in a larger increase in revenue as much as IDR 1,400,000 for the STUP method and IDR 1,500,000 for the topping method instead of additional costs or simply profitable business activities. The honey bee livestock business opportunity of Trigona sp, namely honey as a favorite that is popular, relatively stable price, partially known production of the community, the location is easy to reach by vehicles, the availability of large land for business development. While the threat of Trigona sp honey bee livestock, namely: lack of environmental carrying capacity, so that environmental improvements and increasing the number of bee colonies are needed to increase honey production, do not have a product brand to be widely commercialized, product quality standardization is still poorly understood by breeders, there is no internal coordination between breeders to strengthen institutions and lack of access to assistance from capital institutions in terms of capital.  Keywords: Prospects, Business Feasibility, Honey Bees

scholarly journals Traces of a neonicotinoid pesticide stimulates activity in honey bee colonies, but not productivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Meikle ◽  
Théotime Colin ◽  
John Adamczyk ◽  
Milagra Weiss ◽  
Andrew Barron
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Pharmacological Action ◽  
Co2 Production ◽  
Colony Development ◽  
Brood Production ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Lower Temperature ◽  
Bee Colonies

Abstract How neonicotinoid contamination effects honey bees remains controversial. Studies have yielded contradictory results, and few have examined effects on colony development. Here we report the results of a comprehensive five-year study of the effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on honey bee colonies. Colonies fed 5 ng/g (ppb) imidacloprid showed increased brood production, lower temperature variability, higher CO2 production and had more foragers compared to control colonies. Even so, treatment did not affect adult bee numbers or average hive temperatures, and did not increase food stores, daily food acquisition or colony survivorship. Imidacloprid contamination increased colony metabolism without improving colony productivity, which is consistent with the pharmacological action of imidacloprid as a stimulant. Our findings explain why some studies have reported no, or even positive, effects of neonicotinoids. We provide an explanation for the diverse effects of pesticide contamination on honey bees, and a thorough understanding of how colonies are impacted.

scholarly journals POLYANDRY IN HONEY BEES (APIS MELLIFERA L.): SPERM UTILIZATION AND INTRACOLONY GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS

Genetics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 985-997
Author(s):  
Harry H Laidlaw ◽  
Robert E Page
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
High Representation ◽  
Single Phenotype ◽  
Sperm Utilization

ABSTRACT Sperm usage by queen honey bees was examined by progeny analyses using six phenotypically distinct genetic markers. No evidence was found for sperm displacement or precedence. All queens used the sperm of all males that inseminated them during all sampling periods. Sperm usage, as measured by phenotypic frequencies, did fluctuate nonrandomly but did not result in abnormally high representation of a single phenotype or the elimination of other phenotypes as has often been suggested. The genetic relationships of workers within honey bee colonies are estimated from the data presented. Average genetic relatedness is shown to be low among colony nestmates and probably approaches 0.25 in colonies with naturally mated queens. There is no evidence for elevated relatedness among colony subfamilies due to nonrandom fluctuations in sperm usage by queens or for numerical dominance of any subfamilies.

scholarly journals Sublethal concentrations of clothianidin affect honey bee colony growth and hive CO2 concentration

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William G. Meikle ◽  
John J. Adamczyk ◽  
Milagra Weiss ◽  
Janie Ross ◽  
Chris Werle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Colony Growth ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Brood Production ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
Bee Colony ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bee Colonies

AbstractThe effects of agricultural pesticide exposure upon honey bee colonies is of increasing interest to beekeepers and researchers, and the impact of neonicotinoid pesticides in particular has come under intense scrutiny. To explore potential colony-level effects of a neonicotinoid pesticide at field-relevant concentrations, honey bee colonies were fed 5- and 20-ppb concentrations of clothianidin in sugar syrup while control colonies were fed unadulterated syrup. Two experiments were conducted in successive years at the same site in southern Arizona, and one in the high rainfall environment of Mississippi. Across all three experiments, adult bee masses were about 21% lower among colonies fed 20-ppb clothianidin than the untreated control group, but no effects of treatment on brood production were observed. Average daily hive weight losses per day in the 5-ppb clothianidin colonies were about 39% lower post-treatment than in the 20-ppb clothianidin colonies, indicating lower consumption and/or better foraging, but the dry weights of newly-emerged adult bees were on average 6–7% lower in the 5-ppb group compared to the other groups, suggesting a nutritional problem in the 5-ppb group. Internal hive CO2 concentration was higher on average in colonies fed 20-ppb clothianidin, which could have resulted from greater CO2 production and/or reduced ventilating activity. Hive temperature average and daily variability were not affected by clothianidin exposure but did differ significantly among trials. Clothianidin was found to be, like imidacloprid, highly stable in honey in the hive environment over several months.

Are Non-Target Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Exposed to Dinotefuran From Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Trap Trees?

2019 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 2993-2996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Underwood ◽  
Brian Breeman ◽  
Joseph Benton ◽  
Jason Bielski ◽  
Julie Palkendo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quechers Method ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Lycorma Delicatula ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Worker Bee

Abstract The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an introduced plant hopper that causes significant damage to host plants in the United States. Because of its affinity for tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima, control efforts have focused on the use of the systemic insecticide, dinotefuran, in designated trap trees. There is concern about exposure to this pesticide by non-target species, especially honey bees, Apis mellifera, via lanternfly honeydew. Therefore, honey bee colonies were established in areas of high densities of trap trees and samples of honey, bees, and beeswax were collected in May, July, and October of 2017 for analysis. Samples were extracted by the QuEChERS method and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to determine the presence and quantity of dinotefuran. Additionally, honeydew from lanternflies was analyzed for dinotefuran and informal observations of trap tree visitors were made. None of the worker bee, wax, or honey samples indicated detectable levels of dinotefuran; however, honeydew samples collected did contain dinotefuran above the detection limit with amounts ranging from 3 to 100 ng per sample. The lack of dinotefuran in honey bee products matches the general absence of honey bees at trap trees in informal observations.

scholarly journals Winter Survival of Individual Honey Bees and Honey Bee Colonies Depends on Level of Varroa destructor Infestation

PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e36285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coby van Dooremalen ◽  
Lonne Gerritsen ◽  
Bram Cornelissen ◽  
Jozef J. M. van der Steen ◽  
Frank van Langevelde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Winter Survival ◽  
Bee Colonies

scholarly journals Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Kevill ◽  
K. C. Stainton ◽  
D. C. Schroeder ◽  
S. J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Small Study ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Virus Variant ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Existing Data

AbstractDeformed wing virus (DWV) has been linked to the global decline of honey bees. DWV exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C), each with differing outcomes for the honey bee host. Research in the USA showed a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B between 2010 to 2016 in honey bee colonies. Likewise, in the UK, a small study in 2007 found only DWV-A, whereas in 2016, DWV-B was the most prevalent variant. This suggests a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B might have occurred in the UK between 2007 and 2016. To investigate this further, data from samples collected in 2009/10 (n = 46) were compared to existing data from 2016 (n = 42). These samples also allowed a comparison of DWV variants between Varroa-untreated (feral) and Varroa-treated (managed) colonies. The results revealed that, in the UK, DWV-A was far more prevalent in 2009/10 (87%) than in 2016 (43%). In contrast, DWV-B was less prevalent in 2009/10 (76%) than in 2016 (93%). Regardless if colonies had been treated for Varroa (managed) or not (feral), the same trend from DWV-A to DWV-B occurred. Overall, the results reveal a decrease in DWV-A and an increase in DWV-B in UK colonies.

scholarly journals Probabilistic assessment of nectar requirements for nectar-foraging honey bees

Apidologie ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Rodney ◽  
Vincent J. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
American Government ◽  
The North ◽  
Dietary Requirements ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractRecent concerns regarding potential effects of pesticides on pollinators have prompted regulatory agencies to estimate dietary ingestion rates for honey bees (Apis mellifera). The task is difficult because of the complex caste and food storage systems in honey bee colonies. Considerable data on the nutrition and energetics of honey bees have recently been collated. These data were used to parameterize a probabilistic model estimating nectar requirements of nectar foragers. Median estimates were more than 6× lower than the recommended median value from the North American government agencies, of 292 mg nectar/bee/day. The distribution of estimates had much greater variability than those of the agencies. The differences are due primarily to the disparate assumptions regarding how much time nectar foragers spend flying and foraging. Risk assessors considering honey bee dietary exposure should take account of current and emerging data providing insight into nectar forager dietary requirements, foraging activity, and feeding behavior.

scholarly journals Varroa jacobsoni infestation of adult Africanized and Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera) in mixed colonies in Brazil

1999 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraldo Moretto ◽  
Leonidas João de Mello Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Mite Infestation ◽  
Varroa Jacobsoni ◽  
Africanized Honey Bees ◽  
African Honey Bees ◽  
Africanized Bees ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Different Levels

Different levels of infestation with the mite Varroa jacobsoni have been observed in the various Apis mellifera races. In general, bees of European races are more susceptible to the mite than African honey bees and their hybrids. In Brazil honey bee colonies are not treated against the mite, though apparently both climate and bee race influence the mite infestation. Six mixed colonies were made with Italian and Africanized honey bees. The percentage infestation by this parasite was found to be significantly lower in adult Africanized (1.69 ± 0.44) than Italian bees (2.79 ± 0.65). This ratio was similar to that found in Mexico, even though the Africanized bees tested there had not been in contact with varroa, compared to more than 20 years of the coexistence in Brazil. However, mean mite infestation in Brazil on both kinds of bees was only about a third of that found in Mexico.

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