Standard methods for small hive beetle research

Abstract

SummarySmall hive beetles, Aethina tumida, are parasites and scavengers of honey bee and other social bee colonies native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they are a minor pest only. In contrast, the beetles can be harmful parasites of European honey bee subspecies. Very rapidly after A. tumida established populations outside of its endemic range, the devastating effect of this beetle under suitable climatic conditions prompted an active research effort to better understand and control this invasive species. Over a decade, A. tumida has spread almost over the entire USA and across the east coast of Australia. Although comparatively few researchers have worked with this organism, a diversity of research methods emerged using sets of diverse techniques to achieve the same goal. The diversity of methods made the results difficult to compare, thus hindering our understanding of this parasite. Here, we provide easy-to-use protocols for the collection, identification, diagnosis, rearing, and for experimental essays of A. tumida. We hope that these methods will be embraced as standards by the community when designing and performing research on A. tumida. Métodos estandar para la investigación del pequeño escarabajo de las colmenas ResumenLos pequeños escarabajos de la colmena, Aethina tumida, son parásitos y carroñeros de la abeja de la miel y otras colonias de abejas sociales nativas de África subsahariana, donde sólo son una plaga menor. Sin embargo, los escarabajos pueden ser parásitos dañinos de las subespecies de abejas europeas. Muy rápidamente después de que A. tumida estableciera poblaciones fuera de su área endémica, el efecto devastador de este escarabajo en condiciones climáticas adecuadas impulsó un activo esfuerzo de investigación para comprender y controlar mejor esta especie invasora. En más de una década, A. tumida se ha extendido prácticamente por todos los EE.UU. y en toda la costa este de Australia. Aunque comparativamente son pocos los investigadores que han trabajado con este organismo, surgió una diversidad de métodos de investigación utilizando diversas técnicas para lograr el mismo objetivo. La diversidad de métodos complica la comparación de los resultados, lo que dificulta la comprensión de este parásito. Aquí, ofrecemos protocolos fáciles de utilizar para la recolección, la identificación, el diagnóstico, la crianza, y para ensayos experimentales con A. tumida. Esperamos que estos métodos se adopten como normas estándar por la comunidad para el diseño y la realización de investigaciones sobre A. tumida.

Bees and flowers: How to feed an invasive beetle species

“…Experimental SHBs were obtained from a laboratory rearing program that was established using field-sampled adults and standard protocols (Neumann et al, 2013). Experimental SHBs were obtained from a laboratory rearing program that was established using field-sampled adults and standard protocols (Neumann et al, 2013).…”

“…It is native to Europe, but has been introduced to all continents except for Antarctica (Michener, 2000), thereby naturally overlapping with the new distribution ranges of A. tumida (Neumann et al, 2016). This bee species is partially bi- Neumann et al, 2013) from the egg to the postfeeding wandering larvae stage (Neumann, Peter & Pettis, Jeff, unpublished data). Due to the different proportions of carbohydrates versus proteins in the solitary bee and beetle diets, the limiting factor for SHB reproduction in association with M. rotundata would most likely be the available pollen in the bee nests (29.7-33.84 mg/cell, Pitts-Singer & Cane, 2011).…”

A scientific note on detection of honeybee viruses in the darkling beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus, Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a new pest in Apis cerana cerana colonies

“…diaperinus beetles show distinct morphological characteristics from small hive beetle (Aethina tumida , SHB) that originates from sub-Saharan Africa as well (Neumann et al 2013). Honeybee viruses, such as Deformed wing virus (DWV), can infect and replicate in small hive beetle inhabiting A. mellifera colonies (Eyer et al 2009).…”

A scientific note on a new pest for European honeybees: first report of small hive beetle Aethina tumida, (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Italy

“…They are normally incubated from 1 to 6 days, but the majority hatch in 2 to 4 days. The larvae, which are the damaging stage of SHB, have relatively large heads and a series of protuberances all over their bodies ( Figure 2); The SHB develops until wandering stage and then leaves the hive for pupation in the soil (Lundie, 1940;Neumann et al 2013;OIE, 2013). Newly emerged adults invade host colonies detecting stressed colonies form a distance of about 13-16 km.…”