Brood Affects Hygienic Behavior in the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Kaira M. Wagoner (1), Marla Spivak (2) and Olav Rueppell (1) Abstract Despite receiving much attention, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) and the pathogens it vectors remain critical threats to the health of the honey bee Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). One promising intervention approach is the breeding of hygienic honey bees, […]

Pollinator parasites and the evolution of floral traits

Bertrand Fouks (1), Kaira M. Wagoner (2) Abstract The main selective force driving floral evolution and diversity is plant–pollinator interactions.Pollinators use floral signals and indirect cues to assess flower reward, and the ensuing flower choice has major implications for plant fitness. While many pollinator behaviors have been described, the impact of parasites on pollinator foraging […]

Multiple benefits of breeding honey bees for hygienic behavior

TalErezab,Elad Bond (1,2), Paz Kahanov (1), Olav Rueppell (3,4), Kaira Wagoner (3), Nor Chejanovsky (1), Victoria Soroker (1) Abstract Honey bee colonies are prone to invasion by pests and pathogens. The combination of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Varroa) and the multiple viruses it vectors, is a major driver of colony losses. Breeding for hygienic […]

Cuticular pheromones stimulate hygienic behavior in the honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Kaira M. Wagoner (1), Jocelyn G. Millar (2), Coby Schal (3) & Olav Rueppell (1) Abstract The health of western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies is challenged by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the numerous harmful pathogens it vectors. Selective breeding for the naturally occurring social immune trait “hygienic behavior” has emerged as one […]

Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa (Mesostigmata: Varroidae)

Wagoner (1), J. G. Millar (2),  J. Keller (3), J. Bello (2,4), P. Waiker (1), C. Schal (3), M. Spivak (5), and Rueppell (6) Abstract Despite numerous interventions, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman [Mesostigmata: Varroidae]) and the pathogens it vectors remain a primary threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) health. Hygienic behavior, the ability to […]