A Review of the Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tunida (Murray)

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

McCord, Elzie

Keywords

Small Hive Beetle, Aeyhina tumida, Honey Bee, Biological Control, Courmaphos, Permethrin

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

The small hive beetle (SHB), a facultative parasite of honey bees from South Africa, has been a source of consternation for apiculturists in the US for nearly a decade. This paper briefly discusses the importance of the SHB, its history and economic importance in the US. In 1998, the year SHB was first identified in the US, economic loss in Florida alone was estimated to be in excess of three million dollars. African honey bees are highly resistant while European honey bees are highly susceptible to SHB infestation. Differences between African and European honey bee in labor delegation, foraging tendencies, aggression levels and effectiveness of hygiene are discussed. Complex bee behaviors like social encapsulation and SHB oviposition are also analyzed. Finally, current control methods and biological research are discussed.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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