Prevalence of honey bee (Apis mellifera) parasites across Texas

We conducted a statewide study, in June and July 2016, of feral colonies and domesticated hives to understand the current and potential impacts of invasive parasites and pests on honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations in Texas. We identify the subspecies for each colony sampled in addition to report...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Southwestern naturalist 2017-12, Vol.62 (4), p.255-262
Main Authors: Herrera, Alexandra, Smith-Herron, Autumn, Traub, Nicole, Yount, Kristina, Chapman, Brian R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aethina tumida
Animal behavior
Apis mellifera
Apis mellifera scutellata
Bees
Colonies
Distribution
Eggs
Environmental aspects
Feature s
Health aspects
Honey
Honeybee
Infections
Nosema ceranae
Parasites
Pests
Varroa destructor
Viral infections
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Summary:We conducted a statewide study, in June and July 2016, of feral colonies and domesticated hives to understand the current and potential impacts of invasive parasites and pests on honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations in Texas. We identify the subspecies for each colony sampled in addition to reporting the presence of parasites. The most common subspecies found were Apis mellifera scutellata, Apis mellifera carnica, and Apis mellifera ligustica. We confirmed the presence of Apis mellifera syriaca and Apis mellifera macedonica in Texas. Varroa destructor and Nosema ceranae were the most common parasites, found in eight and nine ecoregions, respectively. Aethina tumida was found in only 4 of the 10 ecoregions.
ISSN:0038-4909
1943-6262
DOI:10.1894/SWNAT-D-17-00027.1