Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #400186
Research Project: Using Genetics to Improve the Breeding and Health of Honey Bees

Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research

Title: Resin use and social immunity in honey bees and stingless bees

Author
item SHANAHAN, MAGGIE - University Of Minnesota
item Simone-Finstrom, Michael
item SPIVAK, MARLA - University Of Minnesota

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/3/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Honey bees (Apini) and stingless bees (Meliponini) species use plant resins for a variety of purposes within their nest spaces. Resin use is particularly well-studied in Apis mellifera, which surrounds its nest with a continuous layer of resin-rich propolis. The resulting “propolis envelope” serves to waterproof the hive interior and offers both individual and colony-level health benefits, stabilizing immune system function and mitigating pathogen threats. In other honey bee (Apis) species, resin use in nest construction, defense and social immunity is less well studied. Resin use in stingless bees, while extensive, is rarely the subject of research. Stingless bees use resin to build brood comb, honey and pollen pots, and a number of other nest structures, and also to defend their nests from predators. It is clear that resin is integral to stingless bee colony function, but the role of resin in supporting stingless bee social immunity is less clear. In this chapter we review the ways in which resin contributes to nest structure, defense, and social immunity in honey bees and stingless bees, and we discuss connections between bee health, agricultural systems, and social immunity research.

Technical Abstract: Honey bees (Apini) and stingless bees (Meliponini) species use plant resins for a variety of purposes within their nest spaces. Resin use is particularly well-studied in Apis mellifera, which surrounds its nest with a continuous layer of resin-rich propolis. The resulting “propolis envelope” serves to waterproof the hive interior and offers both individual and colony-level health benefits, stabilizing immune system function and mitigating pathogen threats. In other Apis species, resin use in nest construction, defense and social immunity is less well studied, and resin use in stingless bees, while extensive, is rarely the subject of specific investigation. Stingless bees use resin to build brood comb, honey and pollen pots, and a number of other nest structures, and also to defend their nests from predators. It is clear that resin is integral to stingless bee colony function, but the role of resin in supporting stingless bee social immunity is less clear. In this chapter we review the ways in which resin contributes to nest structure, defense, and social immunity in Apini and Meliponini, and we discuss connections between bee health, agricultural systems, and social immunity research.