Varroa Resistance: It Comes from the Queen

For those involved in bee improvement and breeding, a key question has always been:

Do bees learn Varroa-resistant behaviour from each other, or is it inherited?

The researchers showed that Varroa resistance is passed on through the queen and her offspring and not by workers learning from each other.

This means:

  • Resistance is genetic, not taught
  • Requeening is sufficient to change colony behaviour
  • There is no need to transfer “experienced” workers
Read More

Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles

The study shows that different subspecies of Apis mellifera carry genetically-determined variation in their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. These hydrocarbons — the waxy coating on a bee’s body — are vital for preventing desiccation and also act as chemical cues for nestmate recognition and potentially communication within the colony.

Read More