Article
Entomology
Julio Chavez-Galarza, Ruth Lopez-Montanez, Alejandra Jimenez, Ruben Ferro-Mauricio, Juan Ore, Sergio Medina, Reyna Rea, Hector Vasquez
Summary: The genetic diversity of Peruvian honey bee populations remains unknown, with 65% of colonies belonging to African lineage A, 33.8% to Eastern European lineage C, and 1.2% to Western European lineage M. This study identified 24 haplotypes, including 15 reported for the first time, with Piura and Lima showing higher proportions of African haplotypes compared to European haplotypes, especially lineage C. Colonies from lineage M were rare and may indicate accidental introductions in the 19th century. Further studies are needed for sustainable management and conservation efforts.
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
Biology
A. Alghamdi, Yehya Alattal
Summary: The study analyzed the mitochondrial COI sequences of the Arabian Honeybee, revealing multiple synonymous and non-synonymous mutations. Phylogenetic analysis identified two main haplogroups, with one haplotype showing higher variability. The neutrality test suggested population expansion following selective sweep and/or purifying selection.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Duleepa Pathiraja, Junghwan Cho, Junsung Kim, In-Geol Choi
Summary: This study applied eDNA metabarcoding to analyze the DNA signatures of bacteria, plants, and honey bees in 48 commercial honey products from different geographical origins. The results showed that the bacterial DNA composition varied among samples from different regions, while the floral DNA signatures could identify the source of the honey. Additionally, the DNA sequences from honey bees could trace the geographical origin of the honey.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Monica Honrado, Ana R. Lopes, M. Alice Pinto, Joana S. Amaral
Summary: In this study, a novel method combining real-time PCR and high-resolution melting analysis was proposed to authenticate the entomological origin of honey. This method allows for fast and simple determination of honey's origin, and successfully verified the authenticity of French PDO honey in commercial samples.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Leonardo Dapporto, Mattia Menchetti, Raluca Voda, Cecilia Corbella, Sylvain Cuvelier, Imed Djemadi, Martin Gascoigne-Pees, Joan C. Hinojosa, Nok Ting Lam, Maria Serracanta, Gerard Talavera, Vlad Dinca, Roger Vila
Summary: This article introduces four new resources for Western Palaearctic butterflies, including an updated species checklist, mitochondrial COI sequences, intraspecific genetic variation indexes, and species-level distribution maps. These resources will facilitate comparative studies, integrative taxonomy, and conservation strategies.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Khalid Ali Khan
Summary: The study analyzed mitochondrial gene sequences of Asian and European honey bee species from Pakistan, revealing differences in genetic diversity levels and variations between the COI and ND5 genes among different species. The ND5 gene segment showed potential in studying interactions among bee species.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Leonardo Pablo Porrini, Silvina Quintana, Constanza Brasesco, Matias Daniel Maggi, Martin Pablo Porrini, Melisa Paula Garrido, Pedro Jose Fernandez Iriarte, Martin Javier Eguaras
Summary: The current genetic diversity of Apis mellifera colonies in Argentina was evaluated using geometric morphometric analysis of wing shape and mitotype characterization. The study found that Argentina has a wide genetic diversity, mainly comprising seven subspecies belonging to four evolutionary lineages. Different regions and colonies produced by queen breeders showed varying degrees of hybridization and subspecies distribution.
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
Veterinary Sciences
Sigmar Naudi, Juris Steiselis, Margret Jurison, Risto Raimets, Lea Tummeleht, Kristi Praakle, Arvi Raie, Reet Karise
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Nosema spp. in Estonia and Latvia, as well as the persistence of the disease in previously infected hives.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
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
Entomology
Usman H. Dukku, Stefan Fuchs, Gayaunan Danailu, Bernd Grunewald, Adam Tofilski, Per Kryger, Marina D. Meixner
Summary: This study investigates the geographical distribution of morphological and mitochondrial variation in Western honey bees in West and Central Africa. The findings indicate significant differences in the shape of the forewing among ecological zones and a correlation with latitude, longitude, and altitude. There was also a noticeable geographic pattern in the size of bees. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA identified four haplotypes, with limited overall haplotype diversity. Small bees predominantly had the A1 haplotype, while larger bees had either the A4 or A4' haplotype.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuqi Wu, Yufei Zheng, Shuai Wang, Yanping Chen, Junyi Tao, Yanan Chen, Gongwen Chen, Hongxia Zhao, Kai Wang, Kun Dong, Fuliang Hu, Ye Feng, Huoqing Zheng
Summary: The intra-species diversity of gut microbiota in two closely related honey bee species, A. cerana and A. mellifera, shows distinct functional differences in core bacterial species between the hosts. However, the overall functional profiles of the gut microbiomes of the two honey bee species converge, likely due to overlapping ecological niches. This study provides critical insights into the evolution and functional roles of mutualistic microbiota in honey bees.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
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
Haiguang Zhang, Wenjun Bu
Summary: Insecta is the most diverse group in the animal kingdom, and COI gene is commonly used for species delimitation. However, high intra-specific genetic variation in insects can lead to false positives in COI-based species delimitation. The threshOpt and localMinima algorithms in the Spider package are recommended for threshold-based species delimitation studies in insects. More comprehensive research is needed on the genetic variation in COI among Insecta, and the abundant COI data in BOLD provides an opportunity for such assessment.
Article
Entomology
Jessica L. Mullins, James P. Strange, Amber D. Tripodi
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Peter Graystock, Wee Hao Ng, Kyle Parks, Amber D. Tripodi, Paige A. Muniz, Ashley A. Fersch, Christopher R. Myers, Quinn S. McFrederick, Scott H. McArt
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Felicity Muth, Amber D. Tripodi, Rene Bonilla, James P. Strange, Anne S. Leonard
Summary: Sexual dimorphism can result in differences in morphological, physiological, and cognitive traits due to different sources of selection faced by females and males. In a study comparing wild bumblebees, it was found that male and female bumblebees did not differ in their ability to learn, indicating potential similarities in associative learning between the sexes in natural populations.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
M. A. Janowiecki, J. W. Austin, A. L. Szalanski, E. L. Vargo
Summary: In the eastern United States, there are nine species of subterranean termites, with five species of Reticulitermes being able to be quickly identified using an ISSRs genetic method. This method is cost-effective, rapid, and provides a useful technique for pest management and future ecological research.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Mary-Kate F. Williams, Dylan A. Cleary, Amber D. Tripodi, Allen L. Szalanski
Summary: A study on honey bee samples from various regions in the United States found that co-infection rates of N. ceranae and L. passim were higher in Hawaii and Utah. Infection rates were similar between managed colonies and swarms, but both were higher than feral honey bee colonies.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Runshi Xie, Bin Wu, Mengmeng Gu, Stacey R. Jones, James Robbins, Allen L. Szalanski, Hongmin Qin
Summary: Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) is an invasive insect first discovered in the United States in 2004. This insect has a polyphagous feeding habit, allowing it to infest a wide range of plant species beyond its primary host Lagerstroemia. Research has shown that CMBS can infest not only native plants like American beautyberry, but also other economically important crops in the Amygdaloideae subfamily.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew W. Austin, Amber D. Tripodi, James P. Strange, Aimee S. Dunlap
Summary: Human-modified landscapes can increase intraspecific trait variation. This study focuses on the body size variation of five bumble bee species across an urban gradient and finds evidence of geographic clines induced by plasticity. Low genetic diversity and inbreeding may affect the survival risk of these species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicholas A. Ivers, Zacchariah Jordan, Hamutahl Cohen, Amber Tripodi, Mark J. F. Brown, Heidi Liere, Brenda B. Lin, Stacy Philpott, Shalene Jha
Summary: This study investigates the impact of urban garden management and regional landscape composition on the disease dynamics of a critical native pollinator, the bumble bee Bombus vosnesenskii. The research found that higher pollinator taxonomic richness in gardens led to lower prevalence of certain parasites, indicating a dilution effect. Additionally, gardens with higher mulch use and surrounded by greater proportions of impervious urban cover had higher prevalence of certain parasites.
Article
Entomology
James P. Strange, Amber D. Tripodi, Craig Huntzinger, Joyce Knoblett, Ellen Klinger, James D. Herndon, Hoang Q. Vuong, Quinn S. McFrederick, Rebecca E. Irwin, Jay D. Evans, Jonathan J. Giacomini, Robert Ward, Lynn S. Adler
Summary: Pollen is an essential component of bee diets, but there is currently no artificial diet or economical method for large-scale pollen collection from flowers. The provenance of honey bee-collected pollen is often unknown and may cross international borders. This study tested three sterilization methods and found that ethylene oxide fumigation had the highest sterilizing properties under commercial conditions while maintaining palatability and supporting bee development.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
James P. Strange, Amber D. Tripodi, Thuy-Tien T. Lindsay, James D. Herndon, Joyce Knoblett, Morgan E. Christman, N. Pinar Barkan, Jonathan B. U. Koch
Summary: This study reported the successful nest initiation and establishment rates of 15 western North American Bombus species and generated a timeline of colony development. The results showed significant variations in nest success and colony growth dynamics among different species. This study contributes to the knowledge of systematic nesting biology of western North American Bombus species and provides valuable information for conservationists and researchers.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Dylan Cleary, Allen L. L. Szalanski
Summary: Managed honey bee populations in the U.S. have fluctuated due to various biotic and abiotic stressors. This study surveyed parasite and pathogen species in hobbyist-managed honey bee colonies in Arkansas and found Vairimorpha ceranae and Varroa destructor to be relatively common, while Lotmaria passim was detected in a significant number of colonies. Other studied pathogens were not detected. This provides a comprehensive assessment of parasite and pathogen species in hobbyist-managed honey bee colonies at the state level.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Haylee Campbell, Kelly Loftin, Allen Szalanski, Donald Steinkraus, Elizabeth Smith
Summary: Wild pigs are spreading throughout Arkansas and the southeastern USA, posing a threat to public and animal health due to their potential to carry various pathogens and parasites. A study on tick species parasitizing Arkansas wild pigs collected four tick species, with Amblyomma americanum being the most common.
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Biology
Erica Sarro, Amber Tripodi, S. Hollis Woodard
Summary: Studies on the physiological states of wild-caught organisms are crucial for understanding the connections between ecology and physiology. This study investigated the relationship between ovary development and nest-searching behavior in bumble bee queens. The findings suggest that ovary development and nest-searching occur independently in bumble bee queens.
INTEGRATIVE ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Austin Goldsmith, Kelly Loftin, Donald Steinkraus, Allen Szalanski, Dylan Cleary, Louela Castrillo
Summary: The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, found in Arkansas, can be infected with Metarhizium fungi, showing potential for biological control of this tick species.
FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST
(2021)