Article
Entomology
Hassiba Khedidji, Khaled Abderrahmani, Hakima Oulebsir-Mohandkaci, Kafia Ladjali-Mohammedi, Arezki Mohammedi
Summary: This study examines the impact of a protein-free diet on the physiological functions of two subspecies of honey bees. The results suggest that pollen deficiency can lead to physiological alterations and modifications, which vary depending on the subspecies.
Article
Entomology
Abdessamad Aglagane, Adam Tofilski, Omar Er-Rguibi, El-Mustapha Laghzaoui, Latifa Kimdil, El Hassan El Mouden, Stefan Fuchs, Andrzej Oleksa, Ahmed Aamiri, Mohamed Aourir
Summary: This study investigates the conservation status and geographic variation of four populations of Apis mellifera sahariensis in south-eastern Morocco using geometric morphometrics. The study finds significant differences between the studied populations and the reference subspecies, likely due to hybridization. The study also identifies significant differences in wing shape among the four populations, attributed to the fragmented distribution of the study area. These findings can inform future conservation strategies for the Saharan honey bee in Morocco.
Article
Entomology
Abdessamad Aglagane, Andrzej Oleksa, Omar Er-Rguibi, Adam Tofilski, El Hassan El Mouden, Ahmed Aamiri, Mohamed Aourir
Summary: This study assessed the conservation status of the Saharan honey bee in southeastern Morocco using genetic analysis. It found that the honey bees in Morocco have higher genetic diversity compared to European honey bees. However, hybridization with a different subspecies poses a threat to the genetic integrity of the Saharan honey bee. The study also discovered that human management intensity and precipitation are factors that affect the probability of a honey bee belonging to the Saharan subspecies.
Article
Entomology
Riad Fridi, Nacera Tabet Aoul, Guillaume Catays, Benjamin Basso, Kaspar Bienefeld, Ales Gregorc, Alain Vignal, Kamila Canale-Tabet
Summary: This study found a large allelic diversity at the complementary sex determiner (CSD) locus in honeybees. By analyzing the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the highly variable region (HVR) of CSD in different subspecies and mixed ancestry bees, the study showed that HVR diversity levels were comparable to those in other honeybee populations worldwide. Interestingly, this high level of diversity did not allow for a separation of the samples according to their subspecies origin, suggesting either an evolutionary convergence or a conservation of alleles across subspecies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S. Benchaabane, A. S. Ayad, W. Loucif-Ayad, N. Soltani
Summary: In this study, honeybees were orally exposed to a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam under laboratory conditions, and the effects on honeybee physiology were evaluated by monitoring specific biomarkers. Results showed that thiamethoxam induced oxidative stress and defense mechanisms in honeybees.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Iouraouine El Mehdi, Soraia I. Falcao, Mustapha Harandou, Said Boujraf, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Ofelia Anjos, Maria G. Campos, Miguel Vilas-Boas
Summary: The study investigated the composition, anti-inflammatory activity, and cytotoxic properties of honey bee venom from Apis mellifera intermissa in Morocco. Results showed compositional variation of main components depending on collection region, and toxic elements were detected at safe levels for pharmaceutical use. The study highlighted the significant potential of HBV as a natural medicine with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aleksandra Patenkovic, Marija Tanaskovic, Pavle Eric, Katarina Eric, Milica Mihajlovic, Ljubisa Stanisavljevic, Slobodan Davidovic
Summary: Urbanization impacts the genetic diversity of honey bees, causing high genetic differentiation between feral and managed colonies. Feral honey bees in urban areas have distinct patterns of genetic diversity and can adapt to human-modified environments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Mert Kukrer, Meral Kence, Aykut Kence
Summary: This study investigates the impact of migratory beekeeping, replacement of queens and colonies on the genetic structure of honey bee populations in Turkey. The findings suggest that migratory beekeeping leads to genetic mixing in honey bee populations, while bee trade results in high levels of introgression. Establishing conservation sites with limited gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity in Turkish honey bees.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Ajda Moskric, Anja Pavlin, Katarina Mole, Andraz Marinc, Jernej Bubnic, Andreja Opara, Marin Kovacic, Zlatko Puskadija, Aleksandar Uzunov, Sreten Andonov, Bjorn Dahle, Janez Presern
Summary: The purpose of this study was to explore short-term storage methods for preserving, transporting, and retrieving genetic information in the honeybee queen's spermatheca. We tested six different storage conditions for the spermathecas and two DNA extraction methods. Our results showed that median DNA concentration was generally lower in spermathecas excised prior to storage compared to those dissected from whole queens after storage. However, there was no significant effect of storage or DNA extraction method on amplification success. We recommend using ethanol as a storing reagent due to its availability, low cost, simplicity, and ability to preserve DNA samples during transport at room temperature.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Annik Imogen Gmel, Matthieu Guichard, Benjamin Dainat, Geoffrey Rhys Williams, Sonia Eynard, Alain Vignal, Bertrand Servin, Markus Neuditschko
Summary: This study analyzed the whole-genome queen genotypes of 265 Western honeybee colonies, revealing the genetic diversity and differences in genetic background among subspecies. The analysis of genetic frequencies and admixture levels provided insights into the population dynamics and identified genes associated with environmental adaptation and morphological phenotypes. Overall, this study provides fundamental information for conserving native honey bees.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nadezhda V. Ostroverkhova
Summary: Through studying the dark forest bee, it was found that microsatellite loci AC117, Ap243, and SV185 are associated with resistance to Nosema disease, providing potential markers for predicting the risk of developing Nosema infection in bee colonies.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Matthieu Guichard, Benoit Droz, Evert W. Brascamp, Adrien von Virag, Markus Neuditschko, Benjamin Dainat
Summary: Selection of honey bee traits related to resistance against Varroa destructor requires easily measurable field traits. Two new evaluation protocols, 'Recapping' and 'Solidness', were introduced to assess potential colony resistance traits. However, both traits showed low repeatability, with 'Recapping' having low heritability and a negative correlation with hygienic behavior. Further research is needed to confirm results due to the small number of evaluated colonies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert S. Cornman
Summary: This study expands our understanding of the enigmatic Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) through analyzing genetic variation, host characteristics, and viral expression patterns in different tissues.
Article
Zoology
Jody R. Gerdts, John M. K. Roberts, Michael Simone-Finstrom, Steven M. Ogbourne, Joseph Tucci
Summary: The study found that there are multiple genetically distinct strains of Ascosphaera apis in Australian beehives, but no specific factors were predictive of infection levels. The results suggest that host genotype plays an important role in colony resistance to chalkbrood infection in Australia.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jamal Momeni, Melanie Parejo, Rasmus O. Nielsen, Jorge Langa, Iratxe Montes, Laetitia Papoutsis, Leila Farajzadeh, Christian Bendixen, Eliza Cauia, Jean-Daniel Charriere, Mary F. Coffey, Cecilia Costa, Raffaele Dall'Olio, Pilar De la Rua, M. Maja Drazic, Janja Filipi, Thomas Galea, Miroljub Golubovski, Ales Gregorc, Karina Grigoryan, Fani Hatjina, Rustem Ilyasov, Evgeniya Ivanova, Irakli Janashia, Irfan Kandemir, Aikaterini Karatasou, Meral Kekecoglu, Nikola Kezic, Eniko Sz. Matray, David Mifsud, Rudolf Moosbeckhofer, Alexei G. Nikolenko, Alexandros Papachristoforou, Plamen Petrov, M. Alice Pinto, Aleksandr V. Poskryakov, Aglyam Y. Sharipov, Adrian Siceanu, M. Ihsan Soysal, Aleksandar Uzunov, Marion Zammit-Mangion, Rikke Vingborg, Maria Bouga, Per Kryger, Marina D. Meixner, Andone Estonba
Summary: The study utilized worker bee data from 22 populations in Europe to select informative SNPs for ancestry inference through two highly discriminative methods. This led to the development of an accurate predictive tool for determining the ancestry of European honey bees.
Editorial Material
Entomology
Beatrice R. Barletti, Ana Asensio, Carlo Polidori, Marino Quaranta, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: In this study, we rediscovered the presence of Lasioglossum marginatum in Eastern Sicily after 45 years without records, and its existence was confirmed by DNA barcoding. This species is the only known eusocial sweat bee with perennial colonies, suggesting its rarity in Sicily.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Laura Bortolotti, Fabio Fiorillo, Raffaele Dall'Olio, Diego Cejas, Pilar de la Rua, Gherardo Bogo
Summary: This study compared different methods for detecting diploid males in bumble bees, with microsatellite analysis and wing geometric morphometrics showing the highest efficiency in distinguishing between diploid and haploid males. These methods were found to be the most valuable in terms of cost-effectiveness.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gherardo Bogo, Diego Cejas, Pilar De la Rua, Laura Bortolotti
Summary: The study used geometric morphometrics to investigate wing shape and size differences between diploid and haploid males of B. terrestris. Results showed that diploid male wings had significant shape changes, likely influenced by incubation temperature and food availability during larval development. Within colonies, wing geometric morphometrics may not accurately discriminate diploid males, but at the overall level (sample size of 500 individuals), it was precise in determining diploid males.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Carlos Ruiz, Irene Munoz, Concepcion Ornosa, Mariano Higes, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: Research shows the ability of N. ceranae to disperse across wild bee communities in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems, with the prevalence of the pathogen not showing any phylogenetic signal. Moreover, N. apis was detected in an Eucera species, marking the second time it has been detected in a host other than the honey bee.
Article
Entomology
David Lugo, Gustavo Pena, Pilar de la Rua, Carlos Ruiz
Summary: This study updates the knowledge about wild bees of the genus Hylaeus in the Canary Islands and identifies two new exotic species. The flight season and habitat of these exotic species show little overlap with those of the endemic species, suggesting potentially insignificant negative effects on the endemic species.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Jose Serrano
Summary: The text provides information about the designation of a number of type specimens from Dejean's collection of carabid beetles deposited in the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) in Paris. It specifically focuses on the types corresponding to species of carabid beetles belonging to the tribe Harpalini found in the West Palearctic, listing holotypes and lectotypes for various species. Additionally, notes are included about the types of two specific species.
Article
Entomology
Alvaro Uruena, Vicente Martinez-Lopez, William de Jesus May-Itza, Jose Javier Guadalupe Quezada-Euan, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: There are significant differences between different populations of N. perilampoides, showing a pattern of isolation by distance and possibly influenced by the Sierra Madre as a biogeographical barrier. The results suggest that colony exchange among regions should be restricted to preserve the diversity of this species.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Carlos Ruiz, Pilar de la Rua
Summary: The increasing demand for food due to the growing human population has led to an increase in plant production. Many crops rely on insect pollination, with honey bees being traditionally viewed as the main provider of crop pollination services. However, the seasonal movement of beehives for pollination purposes may have negative impacts on bee health by spreading pathogens and parasites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Simon Hodge, Oliver Schweiger, Alexandra-Maria Klein, Simon G. Potts, Cecilia Costa, Matthias Albrecht, Joachim R. de Miranda, Marika Mand, Pilar De la Rua, Maj Rundlof, Eleanor Attridge, Robin Dean, Philippe Bulet, Denis Michez, Robert J. Paxton, Aurelie Babin, Nicolas Cougoule, Marion Laurent, Anne-Claire Martel, Laurianne Paris, Marie-Pierre Riviere, Eric Dubois, Marie-Pierre Chauzat, Karim Arafah, Dalel Askri, Sebastien N. Voisin, Tomasz Kiljanek, Irene Bottero, Christophe Dominik, Giovanni Tamburini, Maria Helena Pereira-Peixoto, Dimitry Wintermantel, Tom D. Breeze, Elena Cini, Deepa Senapathi, Gennaro Di Prisco, Piotr Medrzycki, Steffen Hagenbucher, Anina Knauer, Janine M. Schwarz, Risto Raimets, Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Kjell Ivarsson, Chris Hartfield, Pamela Hunter, Mark J. E. Brown, Jane C. Stout
Summary: To understand the negative impacts on insects in agricultural landscapes, it is important to assess multiple stressors and their interactions across large geographical scales. The PoshBee project established a network of 128 study sites across Europe and collected measurements and samples related to various aspects of the bees' environment. This paper describes the development process, rationale, and outcomes of the project, highlighting the challenges and actions that may benefit future large-scale studies.
Article
Ecology
Ignasi Bartomeus, Jose B. Lanuza, Thomas J. Wood, Luisa Carvalheiro, Francisco P. Molina, Miguel Angel Collado, Luis Oscar Aguado-Martin, David Alomar, Marian Alvarez Fidalgo, Piluca Alvarez Fidalgo, Montse Arista, Blanca Arroyo-Correa, Josep D. Asis, Celeste Azpiazu, Laura Banos-Picon, Pedro Beja, Mario Boieiro, Paulo A. V. Borges, Guillermo Gonzalez Bornay, Rafael Carvalho, Ramon Casimiro-Soriguer, Silvia Castro, Joana Costa, Ian Cross, Pilar De la Rua, Luis Miguel de Pablos, Victor de Paz, Joan Diaz-Calafat, Victoria Ferrrero, Hugo Gaspar, Guillaume Ghisbain, Jose M. Gomez, Carmelo Gomez-Martinez, Miguel A. Gonzalez-Estevez, Ruben Heleno, Jose M. Herrera, Jose I. Hormaza, Jose M. Iriondo, Michael Kuhlmann, Paola Laiolo, Carlos Lara-Romero, Amparo Lazaro, Jesus Lopez-Angulo, Francisco A. Lopez-Nunez, Joao Loureiro, Ainhoa Magrach, Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Carlos Martinez-Nunez, Denis Michez, Marcos Minarro, Ana Montero-Castano, Bruno Moreira, Javier Morente-Lopez, Nacho Noval Fonseca, Alejandro Nunez Carbajal, Jose R. Obeso, Concepcion Ornosa, Francisco J. Ortiz-Sanchez, Daniel Pareja Bonilla, Sebastien Patiny, Andreia Penado, Ana Picanco, Emilie F. Ploquin, Pierre Rasmont, Carla Rego, Pedro J. Rey, Elisa Ribas-Marques, Stuart P. M. Roberts, Marta Rodriguez, Natalia Rosas-Ramos, Ana M. Sanchez, Silvia Santamaria, Estefania Tobajas, Jose Tormos, Felix Torres, Alejandro Trillo, Javier Valverde, Montserrat Vila, Elisa Vinuela
Summary: This study presents a collaborative effort to create a database of Iberian bee occurrences, which is crucial for understanding and conserving bee biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula.
Review
Entomology
Jose Javier G. Quezada-Euan, William J. May-Itza, Pilar de la Rua, David W. Roubik
Summary: Mexico's stingless bee keeping has experienced decline and modernization, posing new risks to native species and the sustainability of the practice. Urgent measures are needed to protect Mexican stingless bees and the future of the industry.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nonno Hasegawa, Maeva A. Techer, Noureddine Adjlane, Muntasser Sabah al-Hissnawi, Karina Antunez, Alexis Beaurepaire, Krisztina Christmon, Helene Delatte, Usman H. Dukku, Nurit Eliash, Mogbel A. A. El-Niweiri, Olivier Esnault, Jay D. Evans, Nizar J. Haddad, Barbara Locke, Irene Munoz, Gregoire Noel, Delphine Panziera, John M. K. Roberts, Pilar De la Rua, Mohamed A. Shebl, Zoran Stanimirovic, David A. Rasmussen, Alexander S. Mikheyev
Summary: This study used phylogeographic analysis based on whole-genome data to reconstruct the origins and spread of deformed wing viruses (DWV) transmitted by the varroa mite. The results suggest that DWV-A likely originated in East Asia and spread in the mid-20th century, while DWV-B was acquired more recently from a source outside East Asia and appears to be absent from the original varroa host.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alvaro Uruena, Nuria Blasco-Lavilla, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: Honey bees' health is affected by various factors, including agrochemical use and diseases. This study examines the interaction between pesticides and Nosema ceranae, a microsporidium, and their effects on gene expression, sugar consumption, and mortality in honey bees. The results show that exposure to sulfoxaflor increases sugar intake and alters gene expression in bees infected with N. ceranae. Additionally, sulfoxaflor is the only pesticide that increased honey bee mortality. These findings highlight the importance of studying the interaction between stressors to understand their impact on honey bee and wild bee health.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Antonio Jose Garcia-Meseguer, Adrian Villastrigo, Juana Maria Miron-Gaton, Andres Millan, Josefa Velasco, Irene Munoz
Summary: In this study, microsatellite markers were designed for the first time for evolutionary and ecological research on aquatic beetles from the genus Ochthebius. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to construct libraries and obtain 20 markers. The complete mitochondrial genomes of three Ochthebius species were also retrieved. The SSR panels and mitochondrial genomes will be valuable for future research on species identification, diversity, genetic structure, and population connectivity in highly dynamic and threatened habitats.