4. two methods by which bees can survive to last until supplies are again food a poor season; either they can hoard available. available, or they can migrate tc another area where food is
The authors draw
attention to the
still
is the only means of Also a swarm of bees living in a. temperate climate can survive only if it leaves the hive early in the active season when there will be sufficient time to build up adequate honey stores to survive the next winter. Tropical bees do not face this constraint, and in some places can swarm throughout the year. For bees
‘
living in
a temperate area, hoarding
survival; migrating is impossible in winter.
greater tendency to sting shown by African and Africanized bees may larger number of honeybee predators present in the African in other zones. than tropics Frequent swarming and small colony size may also help to offset the harmful effect of predators. The
be due to the
The shorter development time of African and Africanized worker bees corresponds with the need for a rapid colony development and high swarming rate, whereas a longer life allows European workers to survive the winter, and not to use too much energy on brood development. ,
it
can be understood why European bees have been difficult to establish in many tropical areas. Unfortunately, characteristics which have evolved to ensure the survival of the honeybee are not From such arguments
always advantageous for the beexeeper.
Some differences between temperate European and tropical African and South American Honeybees. M.L. Winston, O.R. Taylor and G.W. Otis. Bee World 64, 1, pp 12-21, 1983.
PARASITES OF
HONEY
BEES
of the Varroa mite amongst colonies of A. mellifera the last six during years has been a major cavse for concern amongst bee~ The mite has been spread through such of the world by the introduckeepers. Both larval and adult honeytion of infested bees into disease-free areas. While A. bees can be infested by this parasitic nite, Varroa jacobsoni the well in the of cerana can survive mite, colonics of A. mellifera presence The mite is about 1 mm long are ultimately weakened if infested by Varroa. and 1.5 mm wide, and reddish brown in colour; it can be seen with the naked eye on adult bees and on larvae in unsealed cells. The rapid spread
Another mite which parasitizes A. mellifera and A. dorsata honeybees in a Similar way is Tropilaelaps clareae. As with Varroa, the female mite lays her eggs on a larva, and the mites develop and grow by feeding on the body of the larva. At present, @.clareae is known only in South-East Asia and the Philippines, but many scientists believe that it could become as serious a Other species of honeybee mites are now being pest of honeybees as Varroa. To prevent the accidental spread of these harmful mites it is identified. important that as much as possible is known about their distribution. CAN YOU HiSLP?
Dr. Mercedes Delfinado-Baker is compiling a world survey of mites associated with bees and needs samples of hees suspected of being infested. It is very important that you post the bees to her so that they are fit to be examined upon arrival. Instructions on how to pack the bees, and the information which you should send with them, are listed in Newsletter No. 3, and in Bee World 63, No.4, page 178.
