Apiology

The study of honeybees...

The biology of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida, Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): Gaps in our knowledge of an invasive species

Small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, are honeybee parasites native to Africa, where they are a minor pest only. In contrast, the beetles can be harmful parasites of European honeybee subspecies.

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The Buzz about Honey Bee Viruses

High annual losses of honey bees, as well as range reductions and local extinctions of wild and native pollinator species, are concerning because bees are important plant pollinators [1]. Approximately one-third of the typical Western diet requires bee pollination, and honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the primary pollinators of numerous food crops, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, and oilseeds [2].

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Comparison of Productivity of Colonies of Honey Bees, Apis mellifera, Supplemented with Sucrose or High Fructose Corn Syrup

Honey bee colony feeding trials were conducted to determine whether differential effects of carbohydrate feeding (sucrose syrup (SS) vs. high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS) could be measured between colonies fed exclusively on these syrups. In one experiment, there was a significant difference in mean wax production between the treatment groups and a significant interaction between time and treatment for the colonies confined in a flight arena.

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Chalkbrood disease in honey bees

Chalkbrood disease is typically most prevalent during the spring, given that fungal growth is enhanced in cool and humid (poorly ventilated) beehives (Mehr et al., 1976; Gilliam et al., 1978; Puerta et al., 1994; Flores et al., 1996; Borum and Ulgen, 2008).

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Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Queen Reproductive Potential Affects Queen Mandibular Gland Pheromone Composition and Worker Retinue Response

Reproductive division of labor is one of the defining traits of honey bees (Apis mellifera), with non-reproductive tasks being performed by workers while a single queen normally monopolizes reproduction.

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General Beekeeping News...

Beekeeping in Vermont...

A message from Scott Wilson regarding the VBA mentoring program

Details: Published: 11 April 2018 11 April 2018

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2018 VBA Workshops Have Begun!

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Beekeeping in Vermont...

Mentoring Program Update