Coleoptera
Aethina tumida (Nitidulidae, Coleoptera) and Cetoniinae (e.g. Oplostomus fuligineus, Oplostomus haroldi; Scarabaeidae; Coleoptera) are known as the small, and the large hive beetle, respectively. [1] [2] The large hive beetle consumes honey and honey bee brood. It invades the hive, instead of breeding in it. [3] The small hive beetle uses the honey bee hive as a protection from various environmental influences and as a food ressource. The larvae tunnel through the hive and cause damage to it (i.e. honey combs, brood and pollen). [1] Assuming the beetles are not present in numerous amount and the honey bee colony is not already weakend, it can be considered, that an infestation with Cetoniinae does not significantly impact the colony. [2] Otherwise, the presence increases the rate of absconding in weakened honey bee colonies. In addition, they do play an important role as a vector of viruses and bacteria. [4]
Ethiopia: The large (LHB) and the small (SHB) hive beetles are present, but so far it is considered to be a negligible pest. However, a study by Alemayehu et al. that was not published yet, revealed, that the small hive beetle may have a negative effect on honey bee colonies, especially in poor managed apiaries and/or hives. [5] They described, that the presence of SHB led to severe reduction in honey bee products (honey, pollen, and also brood). The amount of SHB was higher in months following the dearth periods Unfortunately, there is no further information about the impact and infestation rate of Cetoniinae on Ethiopian honey bee colonies. [6] [2]
Indonesia: So far, there is no information on hive beetles in Indonesia (e.g. distribution, infestation severity, ...), but assuming a successful host swap, Oldroyd and colleagues believe, that A. tumida may become a threat to A. cerana due to infested shipments from Australia to Asia! [7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Neumann, P., Pettis, J. S., Schäfer, M. O. (2015). Quo vadis Aethina tumida ? Biology and control of small hive beetles. Apidologie, 47, 427–466. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-016-0426-x
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Pirk, C. W. W., Strauss, U., Yusuf, A. A., Démares, F., & Human, H. (2015). Honeybee health in Africa—a review. Apidologie, 47(3), 276–300. https://doi.org/10.100/s13592-015-0406-6
- ↑ Crane, E. (1990). Bees and beekeeping: science, practice, and world resources. Heinemann Newnes.
- ↑ Haylegebriel, T. (2014). Honey bee diseases, pest and their economic importance in Ethiopia. International Journal of Innovation and Scientific Research, 10(2), 527-535.
- ↑ Alemayehu, G., Amssalu, B., & Taye N. (in press). Investigating the effect and control of small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (murray) on honeybee colonies in Ethiopia.(status: 09.05.2018).
- ↑ Ellis, J. D., & Munn, P. A. (2005). The worldwide health status of honey bees. Bee World, 86(4), 88–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2005.11417323
- ↑ Oldroyd, B. P., & Nanork, P. (2009). Conservation of Asian honey bees. Apidologie, 40(3), 296–312. https://doi.org/10.1051/apido/2009021
