California Honeybees Getting Tough on Mites

Earlier this year, the University of California, Riverside concluded research that showed local California bee species are adapting to fight off against deadly mite threats. Specifically in Southern California, threats to bees from the deadly Varroa mites are showing a steady decline. California beekeepers have lost huge numbers of bee colonies over the last decade, and mites are one of the most destructive causes. However, it appears that feral bees are diversifying the lineage and showing stronger resilience to the Varroa mites than ever before. A significant education in mites means less need to chemical treat beehives, which is better for bee populations and the environment. It appears that these tougher bees are less attractive to mites in the larvae stage, which leads scientists to believe bees are actually adapting in incredible ways to stand up against this common threat.

The Amazingly Adaptable Bee

Bees did not begin as pollinators, but as predatory wasps. Bees evolved and adapted to flowers and foraging. As bees began to collect pollen and pollinate, they went through physical changes, including how the hairs on their bodies were used and the length of their tongues. Bees also adapted their social behaviors as roles in the hive seemed to cooperate to ensure the hive and queen were cared for and protected. All this shows that bees, although they have adapted since their existence, continue to evolve and adapt to fight off threats to their existence.

Varroa Mites and Bees Today

Next to habitat loss and overuse of toxic pesticides, Varroa mites remain one of the biggest threats to bees. However, this may not be the case in the future. Varroa mites weaken bees and feed on their fat. Bees infected with mites are thin, more likely to get sick, and don’t live as long, which is why beekeepers have been working to combat this threat for years. There are several treatments that can be done to hives, but all involve meticulous and consistent monitoring, as well as having to kill off bees in the process. It is also well known that any chemical treatment loses its effectiveness as it is used because mites can also adapt. Mites spread disease and inject viruses into the bees, killing them and then infecting the hive.

Bees Are Stronger But Not Out Of The Woods

Although research shows promising data that bees are adapting and fewer treatments are needed, Varroa mites are still a threat. Bees living naturally, without human intervention, are the most successful bees in adapting. Commercial colonies are more vulnerable and less likely to evolve and adapt against these deadly mites. It seems the bees that are adapting are mostly living among the trees in Southern California. The studies showed that the most resilient bees were a combination of four different honeybee species, including European and African bees. Crossbreeding of bee species also shows how nature is working to survive, and blending species may be one of the keys to fighting off threats.

Beekeepers find more adaptation than commercial colonies, and the use of hybrid queens results in fewer mite infestations. The lower levels mean less chemical treatment. Fewer chemical treatments mean it is better for the environment and bee species in the area.

Early Stages of Mite Detection

Scientists discovered that this new resilience begins in the larva stage, which would indicate that this adaptation is not an adaptation of behaviors, but something genetically within bees. Varroa mites typically enter hives when bees are most vulnerable, at the early stages. Larvae are known to be the most vulnerable time for a Varroa mite infestation. However, this new mixed species honeybee seems to be less attractive to the mites from California. These signs of early-stage resilience may be due to evolution before adult bee behaviors become a factor.