Bookshelf

ASIAN HONEY BEES

Biology, conservation and human interactions

Benjamin P Oldroyd and Siriwat Wongsiri

2006 360 pages Hardback £40 (€60) Code 0200

This is an important new text summarising in one volume current scientific knowledge about the Asian species of Apis Apis mellifera, the honeybee species indigenous to Africa, the Middle East and Europe has been studied intensively, to the extent that even its genome sequence is known. However, the genus Apis, evolving over 35 million years, consists of more than just mellifera. at least eight more species exist, and these are in Asia. During only the past 20 years has the world's bee research community focussed on these Asian species, interest first being aroused when the predatory mite Varroa was introduced to Apis mellifera populations, and it became important to understand how the mites’ natural host species (Apis cerana) copes with these predators.

The first Chapter is ‘To be a honey bee’, and introduces the genus Apis. The next describes the three subgenera: Micrapis (Apis florea and Apis andreniformis), Megapis (Apis dorsata and Apis laboriosa) and Apis (Apis cerana, Apis koschevnikovi, Apis nuluensis, Apis nigrocincta, and Apis mellifera), their distribution and distinguishing features. Chapter 3 describes their evolution: Chapter 4 covers speciation and biogeography; Chapter 5 describes dance communication and foraging; Chapter 6,

Reproduction, swarming and migration, explains that tropical races of bees abscond and migrate. The migration of the Megapis bees is one of nature's mysteries: microsatellite DNA fingerprinting has shown that colonies of Apis dorsata in Borneo return to the same building or tree where they nested in previous years; how they do it is not yet known, although possible explanations are outlined here. Chapter 7 discusses worker sterility, kin selection and polyandry, and Chapter 8 covers nesting biology and defence, an area in which the different species have adopted markedly different strategies. Chapter 9 is named ‘Parasites, pathogens, predators and a - plant’ the plant in question being a Cymbidium orchid that attracts Apis cerana drones, yet provides them apparently with no reward for the pollination they bring about. Chapter 10 describes human interactions with these bees, and Chapter 11 discusses their conservation: including interesting explanation of how to estimate whether honey hunting might be sustainable. The final Chapter outlines future research directions, and a useful key for identification is also provided.

As Seeley puts it in his foreword to the book: ‘We humans now recognize that our own species is exquisitely adapted to the razor-thin biosphere covering the planet: hence our own survival depends on understanding and protecting the rest of life.’ This excellently researched, well-written and readable book will help everyone interested in the biology and behaviour of honeybees to understand and appreciate much more about how these amazing insects have evolved to suit different environments.

BEES BESIEGED

Bill Mares

2005 220 pages Soft cover £22 (€33) Code M205

in the spring of 1996 Bill Mares found 100,000 dead bees inside and outside his five hives. During 25 years of beekeeping Bill had become ‘deeply attached to these marvellous and endlessly fascinating creatures’. Now, after years of minor ups and downs, he had to recover from this huge loss: all his bees. His local bee inspector Steve Parise came to the conclusion that it was a combination of Acarapis and Varroa mites that killed the bees. A positive outcome of the experience was Bill writing this book, in which he examines the ‘two products of beekeeping! - pollination and honey production, but never for one moment forgets that - interesting ‘ingredient’ the beekeeper!

POLLEN IDENTIFICATION FOR BEEKEEPERS

Rex Sawyer

2006 reprint first published in 1981 111 pages Soft cover £12 (€18) Code S005 in BfDJ 77 we reviewed the CD, Pollen identification for beekeepers. Northern Bee Books have published a facsimile edition of the original book by Rex Sawyer, which prompted the CD's production. It was written for the observation and identification of the many varied forms of pollen grains, and for the students, naturalists, beekeepers, allergists and others who need a practical guide for pollen identification. The identifying features of the main pollen types found in the UK are described, forming a key by which they may be recognised. The set of punched cards referred to in the preface has not been reprinted: this is now replaced by the CD mentioned above.

BEES IN AMERICA How the honey bee shaped a nation

Tammy Horn 2006 352 pages Soft cover £23.50 (€35.25) Code H005

This well researched book seems to have found a subject area not covered previously. It traces the history of bees in America, describing how they were brought to North America, and how beekeeping was influenced and valued according to the backgrounds of the people coming to settle in the US. The subsequent history of the craft is discussed, with its role in the changing culture. Early beehives in the US were log hives, often made from black gum trees. Logs from these trees tend to decay from the centre, and becoming hollow, quickly become ideal log hives. These hives were called gums, however beekeeping in gums was banned in the 19th century as Lorenzo Langstroth's design of frame hive became widely used.

This text is much more than a history of beekeeping - it is also a social history - describing conditions for workers in the beekeeping manufacturers’ factories, as well as the changing status of bee health. In conclusion, Tammy Horn describes how US beekeepers remain on the margins of the support system that exists between farmers, extension specialists and federal government, yet she argues, bees and their keepers deserve greater consideration. This is an interesting book that many beekeepers - not just those in North America - will find enlightening.

POLLINATORS AND POLLINATION

edited by Connal Eardley, Dana Roth, Julie Clarke, Stephen Buchmann and Barbara Gemill

2006 77 pages Soft cover

More than 20,000 bee species as well as thousands of other insect and vertebrate pollinators are

important for bringing about pollination. By the mid 1990s, many scientists were becoming concerned by the worldwide decline in pollinator diversity, and a number of international initiatives to conserve pollinators began work. However, it is important that many more people - not just pollination scientists - work towards ensuring pollinator conservation. This book will help people in these wider sectors - conservationists, farmers, foresters, soil conservationists, policy makers and planners - to appreciate the economic and ecological importance of pollinator biodiversity. The text deals with various issues related to pollination: the assessment of pollinators and their services; adaptive management of crop plants and wildlife; capacity building, and how pollination can be mainstreamed into policy decisions.

If you would like a copy please send an e-mail to eardleyc@arc.agric.za. Copies distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

DANCING WITH BEES

Gill Sentinella 2005 10 minute film, Widescreen DVD £8 (€12) Code VID38 Video £7 (€10.50) Code VID38A

A brief and delightful introduction to the world of the bee. First there is an explanation of the differences between bumblebees, wasps and honeybees. Following this the natural history of the honeybee Apis mellifera, the social structure of the colony, the importance of pollination, production of honey and the role of the beekeeper are described. Although about UK beekeeping only, the film would be of interest for schools, clubs and societies everywhere.

POSTER: An A2 size poster with 18 colour pictures is also available for 7 (€ 10.50) Code P04.

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