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Of twenty species of beetles across six families and fourteen genera found living within the hives of the western honey bee Apis mellifera, only the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, displays attributes characteristic of an integrated parasitic lifestyle. This species is a pest that can cause severe damage to weakened hives. SHB adults tend to disperse over long distances after they eclose and appear to rely on food odors to locate beehives to infest. Thus, we hypothesized that the floral sources of nectars processed into honey stored in hives may influence SHB orientation toward hives and dietary preferences within hives. We carried out preference assays of individual SHB in an arena with several protein patty substitute diets, each of which was prepared with one of three monofloral honeys (white tupelo Nyssa ogeche, black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, and buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum) or a phytochemical-free control. Male and female beetles displayed different responses to food choices. Female SHB preferred monofloral honey diets (74%) over the phytochemical-free control, and, among the three monofloral honeys, exhibited a strong preference for the white tupelo honey diet over control diets. In contrast, 41% of male SHB in individual assays preferred the control diet over diets containing monofloral honeys. These findings suggest that for males the ability to detect sugar sources is the primary determinant of preference, whereas, based presumably on nutritional requirements in support of oviposition, female SHB may be responsive to a broader range of food-related cues to increase the likelihood of identifying well-provisioned hives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle Aethina tumida (SHB) Murray,1867, is an invasive bee pest that is expanding its range across Latin America, parts of Australia and the Philippines, and is now established in two regions in Italy. However, despite multiple recent introductions, there is scant information about the dynamics of the initial stages of colonization of the SHB and this knowledge gap could impact management and quarantine strategies decisions for many countries. This note describes the monitoring strategies and the patterns of SHB establishment in a previously SHB‐free apiary on the island of Oahu, Hawaii in 2010–2011. The weekly hive inspections, conducted over a ten‐month period, showed that beetle prevalence increased slowly at the apiary level, and adult beetles were more commonly found (87.9%) inside the oil traps that were placed inside the hives between the outermost frames of the hive. There were relatively few "free roaming" beetles detected at this point and they were more often found on the side frames and underneath the cover of the hive, not on the floor of the hive. The results also suggest that in the early stages of colonization careful visual inspections of the frames of each colony had relatively low detection success when compared to oil traps. Our results support previous modelling studies that suggest the need to inspect a high proportion of colonies per apiary (>80%) to ensure a 5% detection rate during the initial stages of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small hive beetles (SHB), Aethina tumida, are free‐flying parasites, which actively seek and invade honeybee host colonies. Previous research suggests that SHB prefer colonies in the shade. Further, it has been stated that SHB invade any colony with equal impunity. Though, the impact of colony aggressiveness on SHB infestation levels has never been quantified. Here, we confirm significantly higher SHB infestation levels in shaded colonies and further suggest that host colony aggression is of minor importance only. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, local Africanized honeybee colonies at a sunny (N = 10) and at a shaded apiary (N = 11) were tested for aggression and visually screened for SHB infestations using standard methods. Both colony aggression and infestation levels were variable, but not significantly correlated. The results confirm that infestation levels are significantly higher in the shaded apiary than in the sun‐exposed one. However, host colony aggression is unlikely to interfere with SHB infestation levels of colonies. Instead, SHB seem to remain even in aggressive colonies. The underlying mechanisms for the significant differences in colony infestation levels due to sun exposure remain unknown. Beekeepers are advised to prefer sun‐exposed apiary locations in regions, where SHB are a pest of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is a parasite of Apis mellifera causing significant damage to honey bee colonies. For the past decades, it has spread to many countries worldwide and once established, eradication is difficult or not feasible. In July 2022, an outbreak was reported for the first time in a French department in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island. The origin and the pathway of the introduction were not identified. The molecular characterisation of SHB specimens collected in the southern part of the island, where the beetle has infested several apiaries, was investigated in order to provide elements on the invasive source. The sequencing of the partial Cytochrome oxidase I gene from two specimens showed that they belonged to the same new haplotype. Phylogenetic analysis suggests an introduction either from an unidentified African source or from the Asian continent since the haplotype is similar to those characterized from China and Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping is an agricultural industry that deals with breeding bees, obtaining honey, wax, and other products. Bees are used for pollination of many types of crops to increase their harvest. Beekeeping products are also used in medicine, pharmacology, chemical, and food industries. One of the essential aspects of successful beekeeping development is ensuring sustainable epizootic well-being from infectious and invasive bee diseases in Ukraine. About 3 million bee colonies are owned by private farms and amateur beekeepers, which give approximately 50-60 thousand tons of commercial honey and 1.2–1.4 thousand tons of wax per year at the current stage of beekeeping development in Ukraine. Honey and bee products from Ukraine received 15 prestigious awards in various categories at the 77th National Honey Show, held in London among many countries in 2008. In recent years, there has been a constant increase in the threat of new little-known invasive and infectious diseases that pose a significant danger to beekeeping worldwide. The invasion of the small hive beetle Aethina tumida belongs to quarantine and hazardous invasive diseases, which have destroyed many bee colonies in several countries worldwide (USA, Canada, African countries, Australia, some European countries – Italy, and Portugal). There are no effective methods of preventing and controlling the small hive beetle. The only way to prevent the invasion of the small hive beetle in Ukraine is constant monitoring and control at the state border of the movement of bee packages and bee products, which may pose a threat to introducing this invasive species into Ukraine.

Observations of wild and colony-reared small hive beetle populations indicate that the beetles form aggregations of many individuals of both sexes. Volatile collections performed on males and females have identified a potential male-produced pheromone comprised of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, nonanal, and decanal. Flight tunnel and laboratory trapping assays were conducted using a synthetic pheromone blend (i.e., 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, nonanal, and decanal) and a blend of fruit volatiles (i.e., ethanol, ethyl butyrate, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, and acetaldehyde). Results showed that the synthetic pheromone blend along with a fruit-derived attractant captured significantly more beetles than the control. The identification of a potential pheromone is an important step in the search to provide effective control and monitoring of the small hive beetle. Las observaciones de poblaciones de pequeños escarabajos de la colmena silvestre criados en colonias indican que los escarabajos forman agregaciones de muchos individuos de ambos sexos. Recolecciones volátiles realizadas sobre los machos y hembras han identificado una posible feromona producida por machos compuesta por 6-metil-5-hepten-2-ona, nonanal y decanal. Los ensayos de captura en laboratorio y en el túnel de vuelo se realizaron utilizando una mezcla de feromonas sintéticas (es decir, 6-metil-5-hepten-2-ona, nonanal y decanal) y de volátiles de frutas (etanol, butirato de etilo, ácido acético, acetato de etilo y acetaldehído). Los resultados mostraron que la mezcla de feromonas sintéticas junto con un atrayente derivado de frutas capturó significativamente más escarabajos que el control. La identificación de una feromona potencial es un paso importante en la búsqueda para proporcionar un control y seguimiento efectivos del pequeño escarabajo de la colmena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mexico is an important honey producer, but not much information exists about the health of honey bees in the country. This study analyzed the sanitary status of adult honey bees in five different beekeeping regions of Mexico. Samples from hives were analyzed to identify pests, parasites, and viruses. The mite Varroa destructor was found in 83.5% of the samples, with the Pacific Coast having the highest frequency (>95%) and levels (4.5% ± 0.6). Another mite, Acarapis woodi, was found in only one sample from the Pacific Coast, whereas the fungi Nosema spp. were present in 48.5% of the samples, with the highest frequency in the Yucatan Peninsula (64.6%). For viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV) was more frequently found in the Pacific Coast region (44.7%), and Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was detected in only 3.2% of the samples. Sacbrood bee virus (SBV) was frequently found in the High Plateau region (36.4%), and the small hive beetle (SHB) was common in the Yucatan Peninsula (39.2%). This information could be useful to design disease control strategies for honey bee colonies in different regions of Mexico. Mexico is a major honey producer, but not much information exists about the health status of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in the country. This study was conducted to determine the sanitary status of adult honey bees in Mexico's five beekeeping regions. Samples from 369 apiaries were diagnosed to identify pathogens such as Varroa destructor, which was quantified, Acarapis woodi, Nosema spp., and five viruses. Colonies were also inspected for the presence of the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida. Varroa destructor was found in 83.5% of the apiaries, with the Pacific Coast region having the highest prevalence (>95%) and rates (4.5% ± 0.6). Acarapis woodi was detected in only one apiary from the Pacific Coast, whereas Nosema spp. were prevalent in 48.5% of the apiaries, with the highest and lowest frequencies in the Yucatan Peninsula and North regions (64.6% and 10.2%, respectively). For viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV) was detected in 26.1% of the apiaries, with the highest frequency in the Pacific Coast region (44.7%). Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was diagnosed in 3.2% of the samples and sacbrood bee virus (SBV) in 23.3% of them, with the highest frequency in the High Plateau region (36.4%). Chronic bee paralysis and Kashmir bee viruses were not detected. SHB prevalence was 25.2% nationwide, with the highest frequency in the Yucatan Peninsula (39.2%). This study shows that the most common parasites of adult honey bees in Mexico are V. destructor and Nosema spp., and that the most prevalent virus is DWV, whereas SHB is highly prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula. This information could be useful to design disease control strategies for honey bee colonies in different regions of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Türkiye is the second-largest honey producer globally; however, the export of honey and bee products does not adequately support the beekeeping industry. Pests account for the largest share of expenditure for agents found in honeybees in the country. Although the Small Hive Beetle (SHB) has not been detected in Türkiye, a risk assessment was performed to determine what happens if it enters the country. The risk assessment included: a) hazard identification; b) risk pathway determination; c) risk assessment for entry via the identified pathways; and d) outcome assessment for becoming endemic in Türkiye. The Risk AMP add-in program was used to assess the probability of distribution for each method of entry, pathway, and simulation. According to the simulations, the probability of SHB introduction in Türkiye varies from 0.17 per 1000 events/days (1.7 per 10000 days or 27 years) to 0.6 per 1000 events/imports (6 per 10000 days or 27 years). The highest likelihood of introduction comes from fruit import (11/15) and soil/compost import (4/15). The mean probability of introducing SHB infestation after 1000 iterations of the constructed model is 0.37 per 1000 events/days (3.7 within 10000 days or 27 years). Finally, the simulated average cost of SHB after the possible introduction is 523 million US $ for Türkiye. With these simulated data, risk assessment of a non-detected pest, SHB, was determined for Türkiye.

This paper reports for the first time the presence of Aethina tumida Murray, 1867 in hives of Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, established in the locality of Pucnachen Municipality of Calkini the State of Campeche, México. Nitidulids were collected manually on the honey combs in the frames of A. mellifera hives, defecating on honey and on the floor of the hives, fermenting honey making it useless. A. tumida is a potential pest in beekeeping due to direct damage caused to honey as a food product, causing significant economic losses for beekeepers of this region of México. Also, the presence of this beetle was verified for the first time in stingless bee colonies, which are of great importance in traditional honey production. A detailed morphological description of the beetle is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, is a parasite of honey bee colonies and causes the fermentation of honey as well as colony collapse. Outbreaks have been confirmed in Africa, America, Europe as well as Asia, where an outbreak was reported in the Philippines and South Korea in 2014 and 2017, respectively. In South Korea, in September 2016, this honey bee parasite was first identified in apiaries in Miryang, Gyeongnam Province. However, the invasion pathway of SHB has not been identified, and honey bee pathogens harbored by SHB have not been well characterized. Therefore, phylogenetic analysis of SHB with the use of COI gene and detection of fourteen common honey bee pathogens were conducted in this study. The confirmation of the fourteen honey bee pathogens in SHB showed that this beetle carries black queen cell virus and deformed wing virus. Therefore, SHB could have a role in the spread of these viruses. The way of entry of the SHB to South Korea remains undetermined, but the phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene revealed that it was most similar to species found in the USA. There is an urgent need for national-level monitoring and quarantine measures for preventing the spread of SHB infestation in South Korea.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the evidence regarding the presence of Aethina tumida in Apis mellifera hives in Colombia. Field surveys were carried out to diagnose and identify the presence of A. tumida in municipalities associated with the coffee-growing zone, isolating beetle specimens when possible, and extracting them from bee colonies in the brood chamber and fruit residues near the hives. Specimens were analyzed considering taxonomic keys and morphometric parameters, taking into account 18 variables. The presence of A. tumida was established in the localities of Dosquebradas and Pereira, Risaralda. The keys and morphometric variables agree with the specific structure of the specimen of A. tumida for the head, prothorax, pterothorax, abdomen, appendages and weight, unequivocal and differentiated characters concerning Cychramus luteus Fabricius 1787, which evidence the presence of the etiological agent. The findings after the capture and analysis of the small beetles confirm the presence of A. tumida in Apis mellifera hives in the Colombian coffee region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Display omitted] • Honey bee virus sequences were absent from beetles kept away from hive products. • Small RNAs derived from honey bee viruses were degraded in small hive beetle. • Honey bee viruses do not replicate in a small hive beetle cell line. • Small hive beetle is not a biological vector of these honey bee viruses. The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray, is an invasive pest of the honey bee and causes significant damage through the consumption of colony resources and brood. Two assumptions related to honey bee virus transmission have been made about SHB: first, that SHB vectors honey bee viruses and second, that these viruses replicate in SHB based on the detection of both positive and negative strand viral genomic RNA within SHB. To clarify the role of SHB in virus transmission, we sought to address whether selected honey bee viruses replicate in SHB. Sequences derived from five honey bee viruses were identified in the transcriptomes of field-caught SHB from the U.S., but not in those of lab-reared SHB, suggesting that these viruses do not replicate in SHB. To elucidate whether the representative viruses, Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV; Dicistroviridae) and Deformed wing virus (DWV; Iflaviridae) replicate in SHB, we tested for replication in vitro in an SHB-derived cell line (BCIRL-AtumEN-1129-D6). Following treatment of the cell line with viral particles or viral RNA, the number of virus genomes was monitored by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In contrast to the positive control, IAPV and DWV RNA levels steadily decreased over a period of 8 days. Collectively, these results from bioinformatic observations and in vitro experiments indicate that IAPV and DWV do not replicate in SHB. These results are consistent with the host specificity of most insect viruses within a single insect order and indicate that while SHB may serve as a mechanical vector of honey bee viruses within and between hives, this insect does not serve as a biological vector for these honey bee viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exotic alien species Aethina tumida, commonly known as the small hive beetle (SHB), was first detected in the Italian region of Calabria in 2014. The SHB is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and is established in North and Central America, Australia, and many other world regions. Little is known about the effects of SHB introduction in new regions. This article focuses on the economic and regulatory aspects of SHB invasions. It presents the results of a survey questionnaire administered to Italian bee experts and extension agents in the spring of 2019, which documents opinions about the SHB invasion and its management in Italy. The results show that the SHB and Varroa are perceived as major threats to bee health. Over half of respondents agree that SHB eradication is no longer an attainable policy objective in Calabria, and support a policy shift from eradication to control of SHBs. Among respondents, extension agents are the most likely to agree with the need for a policy adjustment. Additional scientific and economic evidence and analysis can help resolve the differences in the opinions of stakeholders about feasible or preferable management policies for the SHB, and crucially, ensure the participation of beekeepers in the surveillance and control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle (SHB), a social parasite of beehives, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to America, Europe, and Australia. Recently, these beetles invaded China, causing widespread colony collapses in the honeybee, Apis cerana. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the beetle genome from its native range (Africa), a region that was invaded by SHBs nearly 30 years ago (America), and more recent invasions (Asia). The beetles in the United States formed the earliest branch and show signs of two decades of gene flow and local adaptation to differentiate this population from the native ones. The beetles in China were deep branched and showed the highest fixation index when compared to the US populations. The number of SNPs in overexpressed genes was significantly higher than the transcriptome. Gene-expression profiles presented here distinguish the characters between adult and larvae SHBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in honey derives from the organisms that directly and indirectly have been involved in the production process of this matrix and that have played a role in the hive ecosystems where the honey has been produced. In this study we set up PCR-based assays to detect the presence of DNA traces left in the honey by two damaging honey bee pests: the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) and the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). DNA was extracted from 82 honey samples produced in Italy and amplified using two specific primer pairs that target the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of A. tumida and two specific primer pairs that target the same gene in G. mellonella. The limit of detection was tested using sequential dilutions of the pest DNA. Only one honey sample produced in Calabria was positive for A. tumida whereas about 66% of all samples were positively amplified for G. mellonella. The use of honey eDNA could be important to establish early and effective measures to contain at the local (e.g., apiary) or regional scales these two damaging pests and, particularly for the small hive beetle, to prevent its widespread diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is a fundamental resource for the pollination of a great variety of botanical species used by humans for sustenance. Over the last few decades, bee colonies have become vulnerable to a new pest that has advanced beyond its native sub-Saharan territory: the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). This currently presents a pressing problem in the United States and Australia, but it has also been recorded in Portugal and Italy and it is likely to spread in the rest of Europe too. This study represents a systematic review, based on EFSA guidelines, of the various control treatments for small hive beetles in order to identify the most effective methods as well as, those with no effects on bee colonies. The results show that the bulk of these studies were performed in the United States and that a number of treatments are suitable for the control of A. tumida, though some have negative effects on bees while others have low effectiveness or are ineffective. The best results are those with the entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, but also with formic acid or diatomaceous earth. Various products containing insecticides have been effective, for example, Perizin (Bayer), GardStar (Y-Tex), CheckMite+ strips (Bayer), but Apithor (Apithor) cannot be used in Europe because it contains Fipronil, which has been banned since 2013. Some common products like bleach and detergent have also been effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), commonly known as the Small Hive Beetle (SHB), is becoming a significant pest in the beekeeping industry outside of its natural distribution range. In Mexico, recent reports indicate that the SHB is distributed throughout the Yucatan peninsula. The invasion of honey bee colonies by SHB it is mainly chemically mediated by volatiles produced by the yeast Kodamaea ohmeri which is regarded as a secondary symbiont of the SHB. It was analyzed the presence of this yeast in honey bee colonies of Yucatan based on the premise that symbionts are often conjointly distributed with their hosts, therefore the presence of K. ohmeri in hives will be closely associated with the presence of SHB. In managed Africanized honey bee (AHB) colonies, yeasts associated with adult beetles were isolated and identified and the results show that the SHB together with their associated yeast, K. ohmeri, have invaded AHB colonies in Yucatan. It was also reported the presence of yeasts other than K. ohmeri associated with SHB that for the first time are recorded in a geographical region where they had not been recorded before.

Abstract Starvation resistance, or the ability to survive periods without food, can shed light on selection pressure imposed by food scarcity, including chances to invade new regions as a result of human transport. Surprisingly, little information is known about starvation resistance for invasive insect species. Given that native and invasive populations differ in starvation resistance, this would suggest different selection scenarios and adaptive shifts fostering invasion success. Here, we show striking differences in starvation resistance of adult small hive beetles Aethina tumida (SHB) between native and invasive populations. In the laboratory, starvation resistance of freshly emerged laboratory‐reared and field‐collected adult females and males was evaluated in the beetle's native African range and in their invasive North American range. SHB in their native African range survived longer than SHB in their invasive North American range. Across ranges, females survived longer than males. Field‐collected SHB survived in Africa longer than freshly emerged ones, but not in the invasive range. This suggests no selection for starvation resistance in the invasive range, possibly due to differences between African and European‐derived honey bee hosts facilitating a trade‐off scenario between reproduction and starvation resistance. The ability of adult females to survive up to two months without food appears to be one factor contributing to the invasion success of this species. Assuming food availability is usually high in the invasive ranges, and trade‐offs between starvation resistance and fecundity/reproduction are common, it seems as if selection for starvation resistance during transport could set up potential trade‐offs that enhance reproduction after invasion. It would be interesting to see if this is a possible general pattern for invasive insect species.

The small hive beetle (SHB), a social parasite of beehives, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to America, Europe, and Australia. Recently, these beetles invaded China, causing widespread colony collapses in the honeybee, Apis cerana. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the beetle genome from its native range (Africa), a region that was invaded by SHBs nearly 30 years ago (America), and more recent invasions (Asia). The beetles in the United States formed the earliest branch and show signs of two decades of gene flow and local adaptation to differentiate this population from the native ones. The beetles in China were deep branched and showed the highest fixation index when compared to the US populations. The number of SNPs in overexpressed genes was significantly higher than the transcriptome. Gene-expression profiles presented here distinguish the characters between adult and larvae SHBs.

Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) control has become an issue of increasing importance for North American apiculturists throughout the past two decades. Aethina tumida was discovered in Florida in 1989, presumably transported from its native habitat of sub-Saharan Africa through the shipment of European honey bee (Apis mellifera L) queens. Estimates of damage from A. tumida were as high as $3 million annually in the United States by the year 2004, and A. tumida was found in nearly every state by 2008. When adult beetles emerge from pupation in soil surrounding the hive, they are attracted to A. mellifera hives through a variety of pheromones and volatile organic compounds from bees and hive products. Aethina tumida larvae and adults consume hive products and bee brood, generating fermenting waste (or slime), which can eventually lead to hive abandonment in cases of severe infestation. Pest management efforts for A. tumida have focused on trapping adults, applying lime, diatomaceous earth, pyrethroid soil drenches, and entomopathogenic nematodes to the soil surrounding A. mellifera hives. Understanding the biology and life history of A. tumida , along with current control methods, can aid apiculturists in making informed integrated pest management decisions. Additionally, understanding critical knowledge gaps in the current research is an important step in identifying promising future management tactics in the ongoing efforts to manage this invasive pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is a rapidly emerging global pest of honey bee colonies. Small hive beetle infestation can be extremely destructive, which may cause honey bees to abscond and render colony infrastructure unusable. Due to the impacts small hive beetles have on honey bees, a wide variety of physical, cultural, and chemical control measures have been implemented to manage small hive beetle infestations. The use of insecticides to control small hive beetle populations is an emerging management tactic. Currently, very little genomic information exists on insecticide target sites in the small hive beetle. Therefore, the objective of this study is to utilize focused in silico comparative genomics approaches to identify and assess the potential insecticide sensitivity of the major insecticide target sites in the small hive beetle genome. Results No previously described resistance mutations were identified in any orthologs of insecticide target sites. Alternative exon use and A-to-I RNA editing were absent in AtumSC1. The ryanodine receptor in small hive beetle (Atum_Ryr) was highly conserved and no previously described resistance mutations were identified. A total of 12 nAChR subunits were identified with similar alternative exon use in other insects. Alternative exon use and critical structural features of the GABA-gated chloride channel subunits (Atum_RDL, Atum_GRD, and Atum_LCCH3) were conserved. Five splice variants were found for the glutamate-gated chloride channel subunit. Exon 3c of Atum_GluCl may be a beetle-specific alternative exon. The co-occurrence of exons 9a and 9b in the pH-sensitive chloride channel (Atum_pHCl) is a unique combination that introduces sites of post-translational modification. The repertoire and alternative exon use for histamine-gated chloride channels (Atum-HisCl), octopamine (Atum_OctR) and tyramine receptors (Atum_TAR) were conserved. Conclusions The recently published small hive beetle genome likely serves as a reference for insecticide-susceptible versions of insecticide target sites. These comparative in silico studies are the first step in discovering targets that can be exploited for small hive beetle-specific control as well as tracking changes in the frequency of resistance alleles as part of a resistance monitoring program. Comparative toxicity alongside honey bees is required to verify these in silico predictions.

ABSTRACT The fast tracking of invasion spatial patterns of alien species is crucial for the implementation of preventive and management strategies of those species. Recently, a honeybee pest, the small hive beetle Aethina tumida (hereafter SHB), has been reported in Italy, where it colonized more than 50 apiaries in an area of about 300 km2. SHB is a nest parasite and scavenger of honeybee colonies native of Sub-Saharian Africa. Likely being helped by the globalization of apiculture, SHB underwent several invasions in the last twenty years, causing locally relevant economic impact. While many features of its biology have been addressed, an important knowledge gap concerns the spatial invasion dynamics in invaded areas. In this paper we coupled two spatial analysis techniques (geographic profiling and a density-based spatial clustering algorithm) to uncover the possible invasion pattern of SHB in Italy. We identified the port town of Gioia Tauro as the most likely point from which SHB may have spread and suggested the possible successive axes of diffusion. These putative diffusion paths suggest that the SHB spread in south Italy might have been due to a mix of natural dispersal between close apiaries and longer distance movement through faster, likely human-mediated, communication routes.

Aethina tumida Murray (small hive beetle, SHB) is an invasive pest of Apis mellifera L. colonies, and is attracted to honey bee colony odors and pheromones. This work aims to investigate A. tumida odorant binding proteins (Atum_OBPs) from adult individuals, to improve the knowledge on the molecular basis of olfaction and, thus, contribute to the development of sustainable, sciencebased pest control strategies. RNA was extracted and sequenced from dissected SHB heads and antennae. Complete and partial Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were identified in downstream analysis. Overall, four classical OBP from heads and one Minus- C from antennae were recognized as complete OBPs. A phylogenetic analysis showed high sequence homology with previously predicted Atum_OBPs and OBPs described in other coleopteran species. Notably, the antennal OBP showed high similarity with one of the OBPs found in the head. Moreover, partial OBP 29 was detected for the first time in SHB head. This investigation provides an additional knowledge about the OBPs in A. tumida. The molecular mechanisms of olfactory perception include compounds other than OBPs. A more complete vision of the involved functions, structures and pathways is necessary to develop attractants for the SHB control in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play key olfactory roles in insect mating, and can therefore be used for pest control. However, the CHC profiles of adult small hive beetles (SHB), Aethina tumida, are currently unknown, even though this widespread invasive species threatens agriculture and wild bee populations. Here we show that CHC profiles can differ between SHB males and females, as well as their mating statuses. In the laboratory, SHB were reared individually and then kept singly or in mixed groups of males and females until sexual maturity at day 10. Then, CHC profiles were compared between the six groups (virgin 1 and 10 days old females, mated 10 days old females, virgin 1 and 10 days old males, and mated 10 days old males). The data show largely homogenous CHC profiles, with no substance being specific to males. However, Hexahydropyridine,1-methyl-4-[4,5-dihydroxyphenyl] was only detected in female SHBs and 2′-Hydroxypropiophenone, TMS derivative was only detected in 10 days old virgin females, and 5-Cyclohexyl-1-pentene was exclusively found in mated beetles, regardless of sex or age. The biological activity of these candidates needs to be confirmed. Given that they constitute olfactory cues involved in mating, this would offer a promising avenue for sustainable pest control of SHB, enabling for the first time to protect wild bee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a serious threat to the honey bee industry, which relies on chemicals for the control of major honey bee pests. We developed a glass vial bioassay for resistance monitoring of adult A. tumida populations in honey bee colonies. We also determined concentrations that could be used to discriminate between susceptible and resistant strains. These include the pyrethroids cypermethrin (25.0 μg per vial) and fluvalinate (25.0 μg per vial) and the organophosphates malathion (10.0 μg per vial), chlorpyrifos (2.5 μg per vial), and coumaphos (25.0 μg per vial). Here, we report that resistance to fluvalinate and coumaphos was widespread in A. tumida populations in Florida in 2019. Aethina tumida populations were still susceptible to cypermethrin, malathion, and chlorpyrifos. The levels of resistance differed between pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Over the last 10 yr, A. tumida populations have developed 43.7-fold resistance to coumaphos and 5.4-fold to fluvalinate. The levels of insecticide resistance were not similar within insecticides in the same class, which suggest that this type of resistance is manageable. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of glass vial bioassays to detect resistance in adult A. tumida and provide the foundation for a resistance management strategy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of insecticide resistance in small hive beetle populations and suggests an urgent need for alternative control strategies for these serious pests of honey bee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida is an invasive pest of managed honey bees and has invaded Europe from Africa. The main risk point identified for incursions of this pest into the UK is imports of package bees and queens. Surveillance of this pest, carried out by the National Bee Unit, involves monitoring imports of live bees and routine screening of sentinel apiaries around the UK through collection of hive debris for visual inspection of pests. Currently, no molecular methods are used for screening hive debris for this pest in the UK. A new invasion of this pest would likely occur at low levels and might present with partial specimens broken up in the hive or eggs from the beetle, difficult to identify by visual inspection. Therefore, we sought to develop a fast and sensitive method for detecting SHB in hive debris by developing a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. RESULT: The LAMP assay was able to detect the SHB in 19 to 25.37 min and did not cross‐react with any non‐target species tested. The assay was sensitive and could detect 12pg of DNA and it was able to detect less than 1 mg of tissue in a 30 g complex matrix of honey bee hive debris. The assay could successfully amplify from crude extracts of partial tissue specimens. CONCLUSION: This tool will allow rapid field screening of suspect beetle specimens and laboratory screening of hive debris for a notifiable exotic pest of honey bees. © 2020 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the infestation of small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, in a honeybee, Apis cerana, in South China. This is the first record for domestic Chinese honey bee infested with small hive beetle.

Abstract. We record, for the first time, the presence of Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in the Rio de Janeiro state, in an apiary constituted by 36 honeybee hives Apis mellifera L. No eggs or larvae of A. tumida were found, only adults. Since this is the second Brazilian state to record an infestation of small hive beetles, the responsible institutions and beekeepers on each federative unit must stay aware of this in order to prevent or retard their spreading. Notas sobre Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) em apiário no estado do Rio de Janeiro Resumo. Foi notificada pela primeira vez a presença de Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidade) no estado do Rio de Janeiro em um apiário formado por 36 colmeias de abelhas Apis mellifera L. Não foi constatado presença de ovos ou larvas de A. tumida, somente adultos. Por ser o segundo estado do país a relatar ocorrência de uma espécie exótica considerada uma praga em criações de abelhas do gênero Apis em outros países e por deter pouco conhecimento sobre o impacto desse invasor na apicultura nacional, os órgãos competentes em cada unidade federativa deverão ficar atentos e montar estratégias de prevenção e vigilância, a fim controlar e/ou erradicar A. tumida em solo brasileiro.

Infestation with Aethina tumida (ethiniosis) is a disease of bees caused by the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, parasite and predator of bees. This disease is on the International Organization for Epizootic diseases (OIE) list of dangerous infectious diseases, and in the list of dangerous infectious diseases of national regulations in Montenegro. Ethiniosis leads to great economic damage to the beekeeping of a country and once it occurs it is almost impossible to eradicate. Adult forms and larvae of the small hive beetle feed on bee brood, honey, pollen, bee food as well as ripe fruit. Adult forms of small hive beetles can also feed by taking food from the worker bees while they feed the bee larvae. During the honey feeding, fermentation and spoilage of the remaining honey in the hive result in the smell of rotted orange. In addition, the larvae damage the honeycomb by making tunnels in it, which leads to honey leaking. A small hive of beetles can cause the collapse of bee brood and the escape of adult bees from heavily infested bee colonies. This disease has not been diagnosed in Montenegro so far. However, given the presence of this disease in Italy, there is a high risk of its introduction into Montenegro by importing risky materials - fruits, beekeeping equipment, etc. via international ports and airports. Therefore, a program for the protection of honey bees from ethiniosis in Montenegro should be adopted in a timely manner. This program should cover measures such as the detection of a hive beetle at an early stage of its occurrence, annual controls on the ethiniosis of apiaries located in risk zones, control of apiaries during relocation or sale etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle (SHB, Aethina tumida) is an invasive honey bee pest. It has been introduced into many countries worldwide and it will continue to spread. The lifecycle of the SHB is divided between a feeding and reproduction phase inside honey bee colonies and a pupation phase in the soil, surrounding colonies. Once larvae have achieved their ideal weight, they leave the hive in search of suitable soil in which to pupate. Trapping larvae when they leave the hive could reduce the reproductive success of SHBs, as this would break their lifecycle. Therefore, we investigated the larvae containment rate of different trap designs. Dry and wet larvae were released into traps and left to wander for 12 h, after which we counted the larvae remaining in the trap. Similarly, we tested the permeability of different mesh sizes for dry and wet larvae. Finally, we investigated the speed dry larvae are capable of crawling, by recording the time it took them to crawl a known distance. Dry larvae were contained by all traps. While most designs were unable to contain wet larvae, a trap with walls of sandpaper was able to contain all larvae successfully. Larvae could not pass through a mesh size of 1 mm in dry or wet conditions. The mean wandering larvae speed observed was 0.42 cm/sc. We recommend the use of traps for wandering SHB larvae as a mitigative measure for new introductions and a control method for established populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starvation resistance, or the ability to survive periods without food, can shed light on selection pressure imposed by food scarcity, including chances to invade new regions as a result of human transport. Surprisingly, little information is known about starvation resistance for invasive insect species. Given that native and invasive populations differ in starvation resistance, this would suggest different selection scenarios and adaptive shifts fostering invasion success. Here, we show striking differences in starvation resistance of adult small hive beetles Aethina tumida (SHB) between native and invasive populations. In the laboratory, starvation resistance of freshly emerged laboratory-reared and field-collected adult females and males was evaluated in the beetle's native African range and in their invasive North American range. SHB in their native African range survived longer than SHB in their invasive North American range. Across ranges, females survived longer than males. Field-collected SHB survived in Africa longer than freshly emerged ones, but not in the invasive range. This suggests no selection for starvation resistance in the invasive range, possibly due to differences between African and European-derived honey bee hosts facilitating a trade-off scenario between reproduction and starvation resistance. The ability of adult females to survive up to two months without food appears to be one factor contributing to the invasion success of this species. Assuming food availability is usually high in the invasive ranges, and trade-offs between starvation resistance and fecundity/reproduction are common, it seems as if selection for starvation resistance during transport could set up potential trade-offs that enhance reproduction after invasion. It would be interesting to see if this is a possible general pattern for invasive insect species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Small hive beetle is a newly invaded pest of honeybees. • Volatiles of hive materials change the behavior of small hive beetle. • Ethyl linolenate was highly attractive to small hive beetle. • Tetracosane, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indole and oleamide were found to be repellent. • The results can be useful for trap development and management. The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) is an invasive pest affecting honey bee colonies. The beetles are known to be attracted to volatiles from hive products and honey bees like Apis mellifera L. Previously we reported the presence of five major compounds from the volatile extracts of hive materials; ethyl linolenate and ethyl palmitate from pollen dough, oleamide and tetracosane in fermenting honey, and oleamide and 5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indole from A. mellifera worker bees. This study tested the attractiveness of the aforementioned five volatile organic compounds to small hive beetles (SHB) by Y-tube olfactometric bioassay. Ethyl linolenate was highly attractive to both male and female adults of SHB. Ethyl palmitate was attractive to SHB only at higher concentration (0.01–01 mg/ml). Interestingly, tetracosane, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indole and oleamide were repellent for SHB of both sexes, but ethyl linolenate and ethyl palmitate as components of honey bee brood pheromone attracted SHB. The results highlight that SHB differentially utilizes volatile chemicals from hive materials and honey bees as cues to locate honey bee hives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Small Hive Beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, is an invasive pest of honey bee colonies that causes significant damage to the beekeeping sector. SHB was detected in southern Italy (EU) in 2014 and despite adopted eradication measures, is still present there. After three years of observations of SHB in Calabria (2014-2016), we provide here some practical tips for improving control measures. A new time-saving colony examination method, including the use of an internal divider reduced the time needed for hive inspections by 31.86 % on average. Prioritizating the inspection of pollen and honey combs rather than brood combs is advised. Sentinel apiaries with no more than five colonies without supers are suggested for each beekeeping location in order to attract and to monitor the early appearance of SHB. The use of these methods will enable early detection and prompt control measures application before this destructive pest can spread in the region.

Current diagnostic techniques for the detection of the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida are limitedly available and not cost effective. More sensitive pragmatic methods are preferred for early detection. To improve diagnostics, we focused on sampling techniques for SHB frass, as an indicator for SHB presence in a honey bee colony. In this study, we successfully tested a novel approach of employing swab sample collection of frass for real-time PCR detection of SHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The small hive beetle (SHB) is an opportunistic parasite that feeds on bee larvae, honey, and pollen. While SHBs can also feed on fruit and other plant products, like its plant‐feeding relatives, SHBs prefer to feed on hive resources and only reproduce inside bee colonies. As parasites, SHBs are inevitably exposed to bee‐associated microbes, either directly from the bees or from the hive environment. These microbes have unknown impacts on beetles, nor is it known how extensively beetles transfer microbes among their bee hosts. To identify sets of beetle microbes and the transmission of microbes from bees to beetles, a metagenomic analysis was performed. We identified sets of herbivore‐associated bacteria, as well as typical bee symbiotic bacteria for pollen digestion, in SHB larvae and adults. Deformed wing virus was highly abundant in beetles, which colonize SHBs as suggested by a controlled feeding trial. Our data suggest SHBs are vectors for pathogen transmission among bees and between colonies. The dispersal of host pathogens by social parasites via floral resources and the hive environment increases the threats of these parasites to honey bees.

The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) is a serious threat to beekeeping and crops that rely on honeybees for pollination. The small hive beetle not only causes significant damage to honeybees by feeding on pollen and honey, attacking bee brood and causing stored honey to ferment, but also might serve as a vector of diseases. In addition, the small hive beetle has developed resistance to the pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides registered for control of honeybee pests in the United States. The development of resistance in small hive beetle populations is a great concern to the beekeeping industry; thus, there is an urgent need for strategies to manage that resistance. Therefore, we used synergist probes to determine the mechanisms of resistance in a small hive beetle population to these insecticides. Our studies on the toxicity of insecticides alone or with the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S,-tributyl phosphorotrithionate (DEF) suggested that mixed-function oxidases and esterases were the major resistance factors to these insecticides in a studied population of the small hive beetle. In contrast, there was no synergism with diethyl maleate (DEM), triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and formamidine. Therefore, glutathione-S-transferase, carboxylesterase and target site were not involved in insecticide resistance in the small hive beetle. Rotation of classes of insecticides (with different modes of action) and metabolic synergists were suggested for the development of successful resistance management programs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the mechanisms of resistance in small hive beetle populations in Florida and suggests an urgent need for alternative control strategies for these serious pests of honeybee colonies.

Background: The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is a rapidly emerging global pest of honey bee colonies. Small hive beetle infestation can be extremely destructive, which may cause honey bees to abscond and render colony infrastructure unusable. Due to the impacts small hive beetles have on honey bees, a wide variety of physical, cultural, and chemical control measures have been implemented to manage small hive beetle infestations. The use of insecticides to control small hive beetle populations is an emerging management tactic. Currently, very little genomic information exists on insecticide target sites in the small hive beetle. Therefore, the objective of this study is to utilize focused in silico comparative genomics approaches to identify and assess the potential insecticide sensitivity of the major insecticide target sites in the small hive beetle genome. Results: No previously described resistance mutations were identified in any orthologs of insecticide target sites. Alternative exon use and A-to-I RNA editing were absent in AtumSC1. The ryanodine receptor in small hive beetle (Atum_Ryr) was highly conserved and no previously described resistance mutations were identified. A total of 12 nAChR subunits were identified with similar alternative exon use in other insects. Alternative exon use and critical structural features of the GABA-gated chloride channel subunits (Atum_RDL, Atum_GRD, and Atum_LCCH3) were conserved. Five splice variants were found for the glutamate-gated chloride channel subunit. Exon 3c of Atum_GluCl may be a beetle-specific alternative exon. The co-occurrence of exons 9a and 9b in the pH-sensitive chloride channel (Atum_pHCl) is a unique combination that introduces sites of post-translational modification. The repertoire and alternative exon use for histamine-gated chloride channels (Atum-HisCl), octopamine (Atum_OctR) and tyramine receptors (Atum_TAR) were conserved. Conclusions: The recently published small hive beetle genome likely serves as a reference for insecticide-susceptible versions of insecticide target sites. These comparative in silico studies are the first step in discovering targets that can be exploited for small hive beetle-specific control as well as tracking changes in the frequency of resistance alleles as part of a resistance monitoring program. Comparative toxicity alongside honey bees is required to verify these in silico predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida , is native to the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, but it became invasive in many countries after its first introduction to the USA in 1996. The SHB is a destructive pest of the honey industry and can cause damage in apiaries due to feeding on the honey, pollen, honey bee brood and honey fermentation. SHB was recently found infesting honeybee colonies in the South-Eastern part of Korea, Miryang city in 2016. No inference of the origin or the pathway of the invasion into Korea has been made, so far. We analyzed partial cytochrome oxidase I gene of mitochondrial DNA to unveil the possible source of the invasive populations of SHB in South Korea. A Bayesian inference tree and median joining haplotype network revealed a strong relationship between South Korean and North American populations suggesting that the SHB in South Korea came from the USA. Low genetic variation among Korean populations suggests that the invasion might have occurred in a single event with small number of founders. In addition, a new global distributional map of SHB is provided. Unlabelled Image • Small hive beetle (SHB) is an important alien insect pest of honeybee. • 2016 September, SHB was found in Miryang, Korea. • Mitochondrial DNA sequence (COI) was analyzed to reveal the invasion pathway. • the SHB in South Korea share the DNA sequence with South East USA population. • Within Korean population, no genetic variation was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the small hive beetle also known as Aethina tumida's molecular inference of the origin of South American invasion. Topics discussed include understanding the source of invasions, impact on local fauna, and how to mitigate this beetle's damage to wild and managed honey bees; and ability of beetles to exploit alternative food sources such as fruits.

Knowledge regarding the honey bee pathogens borne by invasive bee pests remains scarce. This investigation aimed to assess the presence in Aethina tumida (small hive beetle, SHB) adults of honey bee pathogens belonging to the following groups: (i) bacteria (Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius), (ii) trypanosomatids (Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae), and (iii) viruses (black queen cell virus, Kashmir bee virus, deformed wing virus, slow paralysis virus, sacbrood virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, acute bee paralysis virus, chronic bee paralysis virus). Specimens were collected from free-flying colonies in Gainesville (Florida, USA) in summer 2017. The results of the molecular analysis show the presence of L. passim, C. mellificae, and replicative forms of deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kashmir bee virus (KBV). Replicative forms of KBV have not previously been reported. These results support the hypothesis of pathogen spillover between managed honey bees and the SHB, and these dynamics require further investigation.