Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is a significant threat to honeybee populations worldwide. It causes severe deformities in the wings of infected honey bees, and ultimately leads to their death. This highly contagious virus is primarily transmitted by the parasitic Varroa destructor mite. The varroa mite infests honeybee colonies and feeds on bee hemolymph. In healthy,…
Selective breeding protects honeybees from Varroa mites – The result of a new study at the University of Exeter has shown that a new breed of honeybees could be the solution for the global fight against varroa mites, the public enemy number one for honeybees. Background – Varroa Mites The tiny, reddish brown Varroa mites…
Honeybee predators are a serious threat not just to the honeybees but also to our ecosystem and ultimately to us humans. The honeybee has been around for centuries and is a vital part of our ecosystem. They play an important role in pollinating plants, which helps to produce fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, honeybees are facing…
Bee colonies are threatened by a new variant of a dangerous virus. A team of international scientists discovered a worldwide increase of a new variant of the dangerous deformed wing virus (DWV) that infects honeybees. Transmitted by the Varroa mite, the virus causes a degeneration (atrophy) of the wings that results in death. The Varroa…