Article
Entomology
Marina Souza Cunha, Danon Clemes Cardoso, Maykon Passos Cristiano, Lucio Antonio de Oliveira Campos, Denilce Meneses Lopes
Summary: The diversity of bees globally ranges from 18,000 to 20,000 species, exhibiting significant variations in morphological, ecological, and behavioral traits, along with remarkable variability in chromosome count and genome biology. To enhance understanding in the field of bee cytogenetics, the Bee Chromosome database was established to compile cytogenetic information and advance research in taxonomy, genetics, and evolution related to bees.
Article
Entomology
Shunhua Yang, Shangkao Deng, Haiou Kuang, Danyin Zhou, Xueyang Gong, Kun Dong
Summary: This study revealed unique differences in the structure and function of comb cells between Chinese bees (Apis cerana cerana) and Italian bees (A mellifera ligustica). The bees design their cells with precise engineering to increase storage capacity and create adequate growing room for their brood. The cells showed irregular diameter sizes and differentiated into worker, drone, and honey cells.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michele Castro de Paula, Nathan Rodrigues Batista, Dayana Alves da Silva Cunha, Poliana Galvao dos Santos, William Fernando Antonialli-Junior, Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso, Euclesio Simionatto
Summary: Agricultural production and the use of insecticides pose risks to the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by bees. This study focused on the effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam on the stingless bee Plebeia catamarcensis. The study found that thiamethoxam can have lethal and sublethal effects on the bees, impacting their mobility and potentially leading to population decline.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katherine A. Odanaka, Michael G. Branstetter, Kerrigan B. Tobin, Sandra M. Rehan
Summary: Using ultraconserved element (UCE) phylogenomic data, this study constructed the first molecular phylogeny for the genus Nomada and tested the monophyly of 16 morphologically established species groups. The results showed that most species groups in Nomada are monophyletic, except for the superba and ruficornis groups, which need to be re-evaluated using morphology. Divergence dating and historical biogeographic analysis indicated that Nomada most likely originated in the Holarctic and experienced multiple geodispersals throughout the Cenozoic era using different land bridges.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Emily R. Noordyke, Edzard van Santen, James D. Ellis
Summary: The study found that a portion of adult bees consume pollen substitute patties, but do not directly feed them to larvae or store them like bee bread. Pollen substitute patties serve as a supplement, not a replacement, for natural pollen in terms of larval provisioning and long-term storage.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sintia Emmanuelle Andrade de Santana, Arlete Prado Silva, Jose Eduardo Serrao, Paulo Roberto Antunes de Mello Affonso, Lorena Andrade Nunes, Ana Maria Waldschmidt
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of metallic elements on the body surface of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides workers in rural and urban areas in Caatinga, Brazil using SEM/XEDS. The findings suggest that both areas may be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead, emphasizing the importance of metallic elements microanalysis in native bee species for environmental biomonitoring.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Colby D. Klein, Ivanna Kozii, Sarah C. Wood, Roman Koziy, Michael W. Zabrodski, Ihor Dvylyuk, Igor Medici de Mattos, Igor Moshynskyy, Ali Honaramooz, Elemir Simko
Summary: This study describes the anatomy and sequential histological stages of normal testicular atrophy of honey bee drones sampled daily from emergence to sexual maturity in the spring and early summer. The findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating potential pathological effects of stressors on drone testes during sexual maturation.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Felicien Degueldre, Serge Aron
Summary: In internally fertilizing species, females can store sperm for extended periods of time, and social hymenopterans have the longest known sperm storage duration. Understanding the molecular adaptations underlying this phenomenon and mechanisms involved in sperm storage is crucial for reproductive success.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Immad Anwar, Nauman Sadiq, Dalal M. Aljedani, Naeem Iqbal, Shafqat Saeed, Hafiz Azhar Ali Khan, Unsar Naeem-Ullah, Hafiz Muhammad Faheem Aslam, Hamed A. Ghramh, Khalid Ali Khan
Summary: The toxicity of six insecticides against A. florea workers was evaluated in Pakistan. The results showed that these insecticides are highly toxic to A. florea and should be used with caution.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Minhyeok Kwon, Chuleui Jung, Eui-Joon Kil
Summary: In this study, virome analysis was conducted on honey bees in Korea to investigate the viral diversity after the massive winter losses in 2021. The analysis revealed the presence of previously reported viruses such as black queen cell virus, deformed wing virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, and sacbrood virus. Additionally, several new viruses including Apis rhabdovirus 5, bee macula-like virus, Varroa orthomyxovirus-1, and Hubei partiti-like virus 34 were discovered, along with plant viral sequences resembling Arabidopsis latent virus 1. This study provides valuable insights into the diversity of honey bee viruses in Korea.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lenise Silva Carneiro, Carolina Goncalves Santos, Matheus Tudor Candido Santos de Resende, Debora Linhares Lino de Souza, Diego dos Santos Souza, Amanda Martins da Cruz Souza, Joao Victor de Oliveira Motta, Pedro Henrique Ambrosio Nere, Andre Henrique de Oliveira, Jose Eduardo Serrao
Summary: The use of the pesticide imidacloprid in agriculture has been associated with declines in bee populations. This study investigated the effects of oral exposure to imidacloprid on the midgut and fat body of Apis mellifera worker larvae. The results showed that imidacloprid exposure led to changes in the midgut epithelium and disruption of the glycocalyx layer. Additionally, the fat body cells exhibited changes in lipid droplet size and protein content. These findings suggest that imidacloprid negatively impacts non-target organs during the larval development of A. mellifera.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cliver Fernandes Farder-Gomes, Abraao Almeida Santos, Kenner Morais Fernandes, Rodrigo Cupertino Bernardes, Gustavo Ferreira Martins, Jose Eduardo Serrao
Summary: The research found that fipronil has severe toxic effects on stingless bees, compromising their physiological functions. The exposure to this insecticide leads to decreased respiration rate and disrupted structure and function of the Malpighian tubules in the bees. In addition, ingestion of fipronil increases oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, further impairing the bees' cell recovery ability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Aimee C. McKinnon, Luke Collins, Jennifer L. Wood, Nick Murphy, Ashley E. Franks, Martin J. Steinbauer
Summary: This study aimed to monitor honey bee hives in the field using remote surveillance to quantify flights and assess the risk of pesticide exposure. The results showed that bee activity increased in almond orchards compared to bushland, and low levels of pesticide residues were detected in the collected pollen.
Article
Entomology
Stephen O. Onayemi, Brandon K. Hopkins, Walter S. Sheppard
Summary: Indoor storage of honey bees during winter can reduce labor, feeding costs, theft, and woodenware degradation, but national surveys show high losses. This study found that high CO2 concentration can increase mite mortality during indoor storage, potentially improving honey bee health.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
A. Schaller, A. Roig-Alsina
Summary: The revision of the emphorine bee genus Ancyloscelis in Argentina reveals that the maximum diversity of morphological structures is found among South American species, with two distinctive groups based on their mouthparts. Descriptions, illustrations, and a key to the species are provided in the study.
