Implications of the hive materials and mtDNA haplotypes on honey bee Apis mellifera thermoregulation and colony weight

Authors: Alburaki, Mohamed; Madella, Shayne; CHANG, PHILENE - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA); Corona, Miguel

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/26/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Honey bee colonies go through big changes in temperature, humidity, and weight with the seasons. This study looked at whether using a different hive material—polyurethane(PU)—instead of the usual wood could help bees stay healthier and survive better. We tested 20 hives, half made of wood and half made of PU, across the summer and fall. We measured temperature, humidity, weight, and bee health. PU hives kept a more stable environment, they were warmer (34.3°C vs. 32.8°C) and less humid (57.2% vs. 60.2%) than wooden hives. PU hives lost less weight, only 0.8 kg, while wooden hives lost 4.8 kg. No health differences were found in brood production, mites, or virus levels between the two hive types. Bee genetics also mattered; some bee types stayed warmer and gained more weight than others. The C1 haplotype (Italian bees) did especially well in wooden hives. We concluded that using PU hives can help bees stay warmer and reduce weight loss, which may help them survive harsh weather better. Bee genetics also play a role in how well colonies manage temperature and store food. This study provides significant information for beekeepers and stakeholders to make informed decisions about their choice of hive materials, which can help increase hive productivity and health.

Technical Abstract: Honey bee colonies experience considerable seasonal fluctuations in temperature, humidity and weight. Innovative hive materials could improve thermoregulation and enhance the survival of bees during harsh weather conditions. This study compares the insulation properties of traditional Langstroth wooden hives with those made from polyurethane (PU) and examines how the thermoregulation and performance of four mtDNA honey bee haplotypes vary across three seasons. Twenty honey bee colonies, equally divided between PU and wooden hives, were monitored during summer and fall to measure inner hive temperature, humidity, and weight. Additionally, brood production, Varroa mite load, and level of deformed wing virus (DWV) were assessed once mid-experiment. Our results indicated no differences (p > 0.05) in brood production, Varroa levels, or viral loads among the hive groups. However, PU hives maintained significantly (p < 0.001) higher inner temperature (34.3 °C), and lower relative inner humidity (57.2 %) compared to wooden hives (32.8 °C and 60.2 %, respectively). Overall, weight loss was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in wooden hives (-4.8 kg) compared to PU hives (-0.8 kg). Significant (p < 0.001) seasonal variations in thermoregulation and weight were observed between the two groups. Furthermore, a total of four haplotypes (C1, C2d, C2j, M2-1021-7-USA) were identified, characterizing three subspecies: Apis mellifera ligustica, Apis m. carnica and Apis m. mellifera. Within each hive group, haplotype variance significantly affected colony thermoregulation and weight. Positive correlations were found between colony temperature and weight, regardless of the hive material. The haplotype C1 (Italian bees), a widely frequent and bred haplotype in the USA, recorded the highest temperature and weight gain in wooden hives, with an intermediate relative humidity, compared to other haplotypes. This study demonstrates significant impacts of hive materials on honey bee colony thermoregulation and performance.