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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #372704
Research Project: Genetics and Breeding in Support of Honey Bee Health

Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research

Title: Perspectives on hygienic behavior in Apis mellifera and other social insects

Author
item SPIVAK, MARLA - University Of Minnesota
item Danka, Robert

Submitted to: Apidologie
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/3/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Hygienic behavior in honey bees, Apis mellifera, has been studied for over 80 years with the aim of understanding mechanisms of pathogen and parasite resistance and colony health. This review emphasizes the underlying behavioral mechanisms of hygienic behavior in honey bees and when known, in other social insects. We explore the relationship between honey bee hygienic behavior toward diseased brood and Varroa-parasitized brood (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene, VSH); the timing of hygienic removal of diseased, Varroa-infested and virus-infected brood relative to risk of transmission that can affect colony fitness; and the methods, utility and odorants associated with different assays used to select colonies for resistance to diseases and Varroa. We also provide avenues for future research that would benefit honey bee health and survivorship.