From SYSAM@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDUMon May 22 06:45:35 1995 Date: Mon, 22 May 95 08:34:57 EDT From: Aaron Morris To: dicka@cuug.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Oct 90 09:49:08 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Foraging range Now for an off-beat question. It has been my impression that honeybees foraging from their hive tend NOT to visit flowers very close to the hive! Has anyone else had this same impression? Does anyone know of any data on the intensity of bee visits to flowers from very close to, and away from hives? I am wondering if there is a graph (or some thing similar) which shows distance from the hive on the horizontal axis and intensity of visits on the vertical axis, but starts say 0.5 metres from the hive and then goes out. If my impression is correct, which seems unlikely, then there should be a narrow zone of relatively lower intensity of bee activity close to the hive, and a peak at some distance away, falling off slowly with increasing distance to zero far away. Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks, Peter Kevan, U of Guelph, Canada. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Oct 90 11:20:21 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Varroa and pollination Another request for information: Does anyone out in Bee-L world have information on the effects of Varroa or trachael mites on the availability of pollination services, numbers of hives available for pollination, effects on crop yields, and so on. Even non-published, anecdotal information would be helpful, or even impressions. Thanks, Peter Kevan, U of Guelph, Ontario, Canada ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Oct 90 17:48:33 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick Subject: FORAGING DISTANCE In answer to Dr Kevan's question about foraging distance... the best discussion I have seen on the subject is in Dave Roubik's recent book, Ecology and Natural In this book (pages 82 to about 122) Roubik points out that bees are central- place foragers with forager density nicely plotted against increasing distance from the nest. There are many factors, including short-term ones and those over the long term. If you wonder about foraging close to the nest, just set out a piece of comb and see how long it takes to become emptied! The problem is not a simple one because the further away from the nest you get, the more area there is available for foraging. So there must be a relationship between the forager density (high near nest) and foraging area (increasing away from nest) which shows the probability of foraging (area * density). This results in higher probability at some distance from the nest (not too close and not too distant). Its a nice problem to think about and a tougher one to resolve in the field. Check out the book (Cambridge, 1989). ================================================================== º Edward E. Southwick Department of Biology º º Phone 716-395-5743 State University of New York º º FAX 716-395-2416 Brockport, New York 14420 º º BITNET SOUTHWIK@BROCK1P U.S.A. º ================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Oct 90 18:11:12 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Zhiyong Huang 217-333-8643 Re: Peter Kevans' obs on foraging distance. While doing some observations this past summer, with tagged bees in a small nuc amongst a field of blooming white clover, I found that bees do forager tho se flowers close to the hive, I even noticed that some bees that cannot fly(due to experimental manipulation) even jumped flower from flower right near the en trance (I recorded about 5 bees doing this)! although I am not sure if given a choice bees would choose the further one, which seems to be counterintuitive (that is,to human's intuitive, of course). Zhiyong Huang, Univ. of Illinois. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Oct 90 12:58:31 ARG Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Insectos Sociales Subject: IUSSI Does anyone know how we can get the abstracts or publications of the 11th International Congress of the IUSSI (Bangalore, India, 1990)? We could not certainly assist so we would very appreciate to get this information. Thanks. Martin Giurfa Lab. of Behavioural Physiology Dept. of Biological Sciences FCEyN - University of Buenos Aires 4o piso, Pab. II, Cdad Universitaria CP 1428 Buenos Aires - ARGENTINA --- Insectos Sociales inssoc ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Oct 90 12:52:36 ARG Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Insectos Sociales Subject: Foraging Distance In reference to Dr. Kevan's question about Foraging Distance. Interesting data concerning this point were also considered in the following works: - Knafl (1953): "Ueber die Flugweite und Entfernungsmeldung der Bienen". Z. Bienenforsch. 2, 131-140. - Levin & Glowska-Konopacka (1963): "Responses of foraging honeybees in alfalfa to increasing competition from other colonies". J. Apic. Research 2, 33-42. These papers were analyzed in Dr. J. Nunez's work "Honeybee Foraging Strategies in Relation to its Distance from the Hive and the Rate of Sugar Flow" (J. Apic. Research 21, 139-150, 1982). As pointed out by Ed Southwick, there is certainly a relationship between the forager density and the foraging area and this was plotted in Nunez's paper. He founds coincident representations (Fig. 9) of the distribution of foragers as a function of the radius of the exploited area. The cumulative number of foragers in the field increases almost proportionately with the radius of the exploited area up to about 1000 m from the hive but beyond this distance, the increment is small. These data are anal yzed in relation to the sugar (energy) gain and the distance of the source from the hive. Cheers, Martin Giurfa Lab. of Behavioural Physiology Dept. of Biological Sciences - FCEyN University of Buenos Aires 4o piso, Pab. II, Cdad Universitaria - CP 1428 Buenos Aires ARGENTINA --- Insectos Sociales inssoc ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Oct 90 08:59:32 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Dr. James H. Hunt" Subject: IUSSI I do not, unfortunately, know if it is possible to obtain a copy of the proceedings of the recent IUSSI congress. I can, however, provide citation information on the book that might assist in pursuing that possibility. The hardback volume of proceedings is: Veeresh, G.K., B. Mallik and C.A. Viraktamath, eds. 1990. Social Insects and the Environment. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi The ISBN is 81-204-0532-3 The publisher's address is Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., 66 Janpath, New Delhi 110001, INDIA. Dr. Veeresh's address is Senior Professor and Head, Division of Plant Soil Science, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K. Campus, Bangalore 560 065, INDIA. If you find that copies are available for sale, please return that news via BEE-L. Jim Hunt, President North American Section IUSSI ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Oct 90 10:31:05 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick Just out: Southwick, Roubik and Williams. 1990. Comparative energy balance in groups of Africanized and European honey bees: ecological implications. Comparative Biochem and Physiol 97A:1-7. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Oct 90 07:48:32 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: RSMITH6@SCTNVE.BITNET Subject: Triglyceride assay in Honey bees Greetings: Am looking for references to triglyceride assay in honey bees. Both bulk assay and individual compounds assays are of interest. Have a HP 5890a GC with FID operational and a HPLC which is still in parts. Also am looking for standards if someone is willing to share. Sincerely: R.-K. Smith, Dept of Physics and Chemistry, Southern College of Technology, 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta GA 30060-2896 RSMITH6@SCTNVE ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Oct 90 01:49:59 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MILNE@WSUVM1.BITNET Fellow BEE-L listeners; On December 5, 1990 at the Entomological Society of America annual meetings at the New Orleans Hilton is an Informal Conference to honor Drs. W.C. Rothenbuhler and H.H. Laidlaw, Jr. Please set aside time to attend. The title of this Informal Conference is; 'In honor of Dr. Harry H. Laidlaw, Jr. and Dr. Walter C. Rothenbuhler for their extraordinary and continuing contributions to honey bee genetics.' 0800 Harry H. Laidlaw, Jr. and Walter C. Rothenbuhler: Pioneers in honey bee genetics. H. Shimanuki 0820 The use of inbred queen--single drone technique for genetic studies. A.M. Collins 0835 Queen breeders challenge: Africanized honey bees. R.L. Hellmich, II 0850 Are Africanized and European honey bees equally susceptible to the honey bee tracheal mite? F.A. Eischen 0905 The genetics of division of labor in honey bees. R.E. Page, Jr. 0920 Recess 0935 Genetic analysis of honey bee DNA. H. A. Sylvester 0950 Honey bee genetic engineering: Progress and prospects. C.P. Milne, Jr. 1005 Selection and breeding for higher Varroa tolerance in European mellifera material. W. Drescher 1025 Breeding for resistance in honey bees to Varroa mites. T.E. Rinderer 1040 Conclusion C.P. Milne, Jr. Coorganizers and comoderators: C.P. Milne, Jr. and H.A. Sylvester You may contact either of us for further information. C.P. Milne, Jr. Department of Entomology Washington State University Pullman WA 99164-6432 (509) 335-2141 BITNET; MILNE@WSUVM1 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Oct 90 08:28:37 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: EISIK@TAUNOS.BITNET Subject: Re: Foraging range In-Reply-To: Message of Tue, 2 Oct 90 09:49:08 EST Dear Prof. Kevan , You are righ, this is also my observation, I think that Donal d Levin, Austin Texas Published a paper on this subject. Sincerely yours obedien t servant, Dini. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Oct 90 19:33:03 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MILNE@WSUVM1.BITNET Fellow BEE-L compatriots; I made two errors in yesterdays announcement of the ESA Informal Conference honoring Drs. Laidlaw and Rothenbuhler. 1. The correct title is; Honey bee genetics - In honor of Dr. Harry H. Laidlaw, Jr. and Dr. Walter C. Rothenbuhler for their extraordinary and continuing contributions to honey bee genetics. 2. The last presentation of the Informal Conference has two authors; Breeding for resistance in honey bees to Varroa mites. T.E. Rinderer and J. M. Kulincevic. Hope to see ya there. C.P. Milne, Jr. Department of Entomology Washington State University Pullman WA 99164-6432 (509) 335-2141 BITNET; MILNE@WSUVM1 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Oct 90 15:08:05 LCL Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: W: RFC822 field starting with a blank. Field ignored. Comments: W: Invalid RFC822 field -- "WE URGENTLY NEED THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS. ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THESE:". Rest of header flushed. Comments: E: "From:"/"Sender:" field is missing. From: Undetermined origin c/o Postmaster 1. Insect Pins 2. Complete set of equipment for Morphometric Measurements: electronic or Optic ( or digital or computerized ) For these instruments, we have not decided any type or model (yet system) Any type of information, regarding efficient morphometric measurement is also welcomed. Please, let us know your advices. Thanks in advance. Yavuz DARENDELIOGLU e-MAIL: A10813@TRMETUA.BITNET ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Oct 90 16:15:50 LCL Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: W: RFC822 field starting with a blank. Field ignored. Comments: W: Invalid RFC822 field -- "WE URGENTLY NEED THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS. ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THESE:". Rest of header flushed. Comments: E: "From:"/"Sender:" field is missing. From: Undetermined origin c/o Postmaster 1. Insect Pins 2. Complete set of equipment for Morphometric Measurements: electronic or Optic ( or digital or computerized ) For these instruments, we have not decided any type or model (yet system) Any type of information, regarding efficient morphometric measurement is also welcomed. Please, let us know your advices. Thanks in advance. Yavuz DARENDELIOGLU e-MAIL: A10813@TRMETUA.BITNET MAIL ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Oct 90 17:53:01 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: AL158129@TECMTYVM.BITNET I like bees ! :-) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Oct 90 20:56:45 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: A10813@TRMETUA.BITNET Subject: MORPHOMETRIC MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENTS... Dear Coleagues, For a research project of large scale on A. mellifera Anatoliaca we urgently need the following materials. Any information about these materials welcomed. If possible, please give me the adresses of the companies or the sales agencies of the materials, that you offer or advice. 1. Insect Pins 2. Complete set of equipment for Morphometric Measurements: electronic or Optic ( or digital or computerized ) For these instruments, we have not decided any type or model (yet system) Any type of information, regarding efficient morphometric measurement is also welcomed. Please, let us know your advices. Thanks in advance. Yavuz DARENDELIOGLU e-MAIL: A10813@TRMETUA.BITNET . QUIT ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Oct 90 17:28:50 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick What is the latest on the Afr H Bee in Texas?? Please respond on BEE-L! ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Oct 90 20:58:00 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: RB02817@SWTEXAS.BITNET Subject: AHB The Africanized Bees have arrived in Texas. Previously they had arrived aboard ships. A swarm of 30,000 (small) was captured in Hidalgo,Texas, near the Rio Grande about 70 miles inland. Test results, Wednesday, confirmed Africanization. The Texas AHB management plan has taken effect and quarantine areas have been established. Bees can not be transported into or out of the area, until further testing is completed. Robert Burke SWT ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Oct 90 09:39:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: This is gatewayed mail. Warning: Mail may not necessarily be returnable through this path. From: General Delivery Subject: AHB in Texas From: GNV::WINS%"jim_tew%00%oardc@gate.us.ohio-state.edu" 17-OCT-1990 19:59:23 .53 To: MTS CC: Subj: AHB IN TEXAS Return-Path: Received: from tut.cis.ohio-state.edu by gnv.ifas.ufl.edu with SMTP ; Wed, 17 Oct 90 19:59:10 EDT Received: from gate.us.ohio-state.edu by tut.cis.ohio-state.edu (5.61-kk/5.90092 0) id AA01123; Wed, 17 Oct 90 20:02:13 -0400 Received: by gate.us.ohio-state.edu; Wed, 17 Oct 90 20:00:43 edt Date: 17 Oct 90 19:46 -0500 Subject: AHB IN TEXAS Message-Id: <2933241.0.0.0@USGATEUX.HPDESK> X-Hpdesk-Priority: 3 X-Hpdesk-System: 5 To: burgettm@cordley.orst.edu, milne@wsuvm1.bitnet, mts@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu, jim_tew@cis.ohio-state.edu From: jim_tew%00%oardc@gate.us.ohio-state.edu Received: from colmbs by gate; 17 Oct 90 20:00:28-EDT (Wed) THIS IS THE MESSAGE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO THE MESSAGE. Posted: Wed, Oct 17, 1990 12:59 PM EDT Msg: NGJA-3049-4882 From: OS.DEO To: BEE.IDENT Subj: AHB DETECTION IN TEXAS FOR INFORMATION DA# 90-48 October 17, 1990 SUBJECT: Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) TO : STATE AND TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL REGULATORY OFFICIALS On October 15, a swarm of AHB was found and destroyed near Hidalgo, Texas. This was a pioneer swarm which normally is found well in advance of the main AHB front. The honey bees were captured in a swarm trap operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA. Samples were identified at the ARS laboratory in Texas and confirmed as Africanized on October 17 by the ARS laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. A honey bee delimiting survey is being implemented in a 2-mile radius of the find as called for in the joint Texas/APHIS AHB action plan. A press briefing will be scheduled for October 18, at a location in Texas to be announced. Mr. Otha Barham of our Domestic and Emergency Operations staff in Hyattsville, Maryland, has been designated as the contact person for APHIS headquarters. His telephone number is Area Code (301) 436-8247. /s/ Richard R. Backus for B. Glen Lee Deputy Administrator Plant Protection and Quarantine DISTRIBUTION: Via Telemail--PPQ.BULLETIN and PPQ.SPRO Via Airmail--American Samoa, Canada, Guam, Mexico, Midway Islands, Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Oct 90 13:18:42 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MacGyver Subject: Africanized Bees There is an article in today's USA Today (10/19/90) on Page 3A regarding the current search for Africanized Bees in Texas. Can anyone give pointers regarding beekeeping in a semi-residential area? I live in what techically would be called a suburb of Indianapolis and our neighborhood consists of half-acre lots, plenty of room to put up a hive or two. I went to several meetings of the Indiana State Beekeepers over the last year to start familiarizing myself and it was like going to Farm Bureau meetings (with my grandparents) growing up. I talked to one old-timer about it and he suggested 1) just doing it and not really saying anything as no one would probably notice; and 2) put the entrance near a wall or other obstacle to force more vertical takeoffs/landings and make them less noticeable. I have a busybody neighbor who lives about three houses down the street and have already had to get a zoning variance to allow me to have more than two animals (no joking). This lady sits in her front window all day and watches for trouble to stir up. Any suggestons? P.S. No, I have not yet acquired the hive(s) and will wait until next spring, probably. Thanks! How 'bout this for a bumpersticker: Beekeepers eat their honey! ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 19 Oct 90 15:18:00 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: jim_tew%00%oardc@GATE.US.OHIO-STATE.EDU Subject: APICULTURE AWARENESS EXTENSION SERVICE UPDATE---- APICULTURE AWARENESS VOL 3, ISSUE 10 AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES FOUND IN RIO GRADE RIVER VALLEY NEAR HIDALGO, TEXAS WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 17--Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture today confirmed that a swarm of Africanized honey bees (AHB) has been detected and destroyed in the Rio Grande River Valley near Hidalgo, Texas. Africanized honey bees have been moving northward from South America since 1957. "The Africanized honey bee swarm detected near Hidalgo is the first such swarm found to have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border." said James W. Glosser, administrator of USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. "We are conducting surveys and intensified trapping to determine whether other AHB swarms are present. APHIS is committed to helping agricultural officials in Texas eliminate initial swarms." Officials with USDA's Agricultural Research Service found the swarm on Oct. 15 during a regular check of ARS swarm traps in the area. These traps, which have a chemical lure or pheromone to attract and capture migrating swarms, have been in place for a number of years to help ARS researchers gather data on honey bee swarms. The swarm was destroyed and samples of the honey bees were identified by the ARS laboratory in Weslaco, Texas, and confirmed as Africanized by the ARS Bee Identification Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. The ARS facility in Beltsville is the only one authorized to confirm AHB identifications for USDA. "Although this is the first time we have trapped a natural introduction of Africanized honey bees in the United States," Glosser said,m "we have intercepted and eliminated AHB swarms artificially introduced on ships arriving from South and Central America many times since 1979. The Agricultural Research Service has been instrumental in identifying these swarms." Glosser said APHIS, the federal agency responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests and disease, will work with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service based at Texas A&M University to eliminate other initial swarms if they are detected. APHIS and ARS will continue to inspect honey bee traps in south Texas to monitor the spread of the AHB front through Mexico into the United States. SOURCE: News Release, Office of Press and Media Relations, USDA (202)447-4026 AHB INFORMATION RELEASE FROM APHIS On October 15, a swarm of AHB was found and destroyed near Hidalgo, Texas. This was a pioneer swarm which normally is found well in advance of the main AHB front. The honey bees were captured in a swarm trap operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA. Samples were identified at the ARS laboratory in Texas and confirmed as Africanized on October 17 by the ARS laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. A honey bee delimiting survey is being implemented in a 2-mile radius of the find as called for in the joint Texas/APHIS AHB action plan. A press briefing will be scheduled for October 18, at a location in Texas to be announced. Mr. Otha Barham of our Domestic and Emergency Operations staff in Hyattsville, Maryland, has been designated as the contact person for APHIS headquarters. His telephone number is Area Code (301) 436-8247. SOURCE: Richard R. Backus for B. Glen Lee, Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine, APHIS AFRICANIZED HONEY BEE (AHB) UPDATE October 4, 1990 More traps have been added to the PPQ trap line that runs from Sullivan City, Texas, to Rio Grande City, Texas. There are 257 traps in place in seven trap lines. Janna Evans, with the office of Legislative and Public Affairs in Hyattsville, was in the Rio Grande Valley the week of September 24-28, 1990. During that time, she contacted schools, radio stations, TV stations, city managers, and county agents and presented to them information about APHIS trap lines, the identification laboratory, and AHB. Contact was made with the Harlingen and Brownsville School Districts. A request was made to include honey bees in their science classes. The Harlingen School District has designated the week of November 12-16, 1990, as "Bee Awareness Week." During that week, local beekeepers and the AHB Program Manager will visit the local schools to give presentations and answer questions related to bees, AHB's, and the traps. The Brownsville School District will video tape "special messages" targeted to children from Kindergarten to seventh grades. Why the traps are in the field, to leave them alone, and what to expect after the AHB arrives will be emphasized. A positive AHB find was reported from Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This is the first AHB find in Nuevo Leon. The town of Linares is located about 120 miles southwest of Rio Grande City and approximately 75 miles east of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The State of Tamaulipas has established a trap line from Nuevo Laredo to Cd. Mier, Tamaulipas, which parallels the border between the U.S. and Mexico. SOURCE: Elba Quintero, Africanized Honey Bee, Program Manager, APHIS (512)427-8527 JAMES E. TEW Ph.D. National Program Leader, Apiculture Extension Service, USDA INTERNET TEW.1@OSU.EDU BITNET TEW.1@OHSTMAIL TELEMAIL JTEW FAX (216)262-7634 PHONE (216)264-3911 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Oct 90 18:41:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "David W. INOUYE" I'm trying to locate a BITNET node in Brazil. Is anyone on this network in Brazil, or do you know of anyone who is? Thanks for your help. ***************************************************************** * * * David W. Inouye INTERNET address: * * Dept. of Zoology DI5@UMAIL.UMD.EDU * * University of Maryland * * College Park, MD 20742 fax: 301-314-9566 * * 301-405-6946 * * * ***************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 23 Oct 90 11:22:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: This is gatewayed mail. Warning: Mail may not necessarily be returnable through this path. From: General Delivery Subject: GOOD NEIGHBOR GUIDELINES I HAVE PUBLISHED HINT FOR THE HIVE NUMBER 115 FLORIDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE--GOOD NEIGHBOR GUIDELINES AND ORDINANCES--THIS PROVIDES SOME INFORMATION ON THESE SUBJECTS RE AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES....IF YOU WANT A COPY, I'LL BE GLAD TO SEND ONE... TOM SANFORD EXTENSION APICULTURIST UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 904/392-1801 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 25 Oct 90 14:32:44 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick For those interested, the Proceedings of the joint meeting of the Royal Entomological Society and IBRA in London this last July are expected to be published early in the new year in the U.K. As soon as it is out, I will announce it on BEE-L. (thanks for the ? steve) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 26 Oct 90 04:50:35 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: COURANT@FRINRA72.BITNET Subject: bee literature review In Insectes Sociaux, 1990, vol 37, no3, one paper is about Apidae: Duchateau M.J., Van Leeuwen P. Early sex determination in larvae of Bombus terrestris pp. 232-235 Laboratory of comparative physiology, univ. Utrecht, P.O. Box 80086 3508 TB Utrecht (The netherlands) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Oct 90 17:06:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: General Delivery Subject: OCTOBER ISSUE OF APIS--PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT TO MTS@IFASGNV FILENAME: OCTAPIS.90 Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues (ISSN 0889-3764) Volume 8, Number 10, October 1990 AMERICAN BEE RESEARCH CONFERENCE The third annual American Bee Research Conference (ABRC) met in Tucson, Arizona in early October. Some 44 papers were presented in an intensive two and one half day session. Mites were perhaps the hottest topic. Canadian researchers (Kerry Clark and colleagues) provided information on screening breeding stock for tracheal mite resistance and using vegetable oil and menthol for their control. Both treatments reduced mite populations from 40% to 99%. Gordon Waller (USDA Tucson bee lab) also reported on work establishing tracheal mite resistance in Arizona honey bees. An interesting account of rapid colony decline due to tracheal mites was provided by Steven Thoenes and S. Buchman (USDA Tucson lab). A colony overcome by tracheal mites located on a very sensitive scale (which can measure loss or gain of just a few bees) showed just how short a time period is necessary and how precipitous the bee population can decline when influenced by this mite. It was surprising that only one paper dealt with Varroa mites. Unfortunately, the author failed to appear to present that particular talk. A variety of other subjects were also covered at the Conference. Dr. Tibor Szabo of Alberta, Canada presented an analysis of how moving, inspecting and removing honey from colonies affects honey yield. All do so negatively, thus, Dr. Szabo encourages beekeepers to inspect their hives fewer times and to take off honey less frequently. Dr. Stephen Buchman (USDA Tucson lab) explained his analysis of "safe sites" for pollen on bees. Certain places on the insects cannot be groomed and so pollen in those areas has a better chance of being deposited on plants. One of these sites is right between the legs. He also discussed pollen preferences of both wild and managed colonies. Old comb and trash heaps, sometimes called "kitchen middens," an anthropological term, associated with wild swarms have yielded a surprising amount of historical information on the kinds of pollen being used by bees. Two papers showed how production of pearl millet (A. Mamood; USDA Tucson lab) and strawberries (L. Peterson and colleagues, Oklahoma St. Univ.) were enhanced by honey bee activity. The concept of "enpollination" was discussed for almonds by Thomas Ferrari, Plant Development International. This is the process whereby pollen is mechanically harvested and then placed on a bee as it exits a colony to improve pollination potential. Because this is a proprietary product, much of the process currently being employed is presently secret. Dr. Justin Schmidt and colleagues (USDA Tucson bee lab) revealed that European bee swarms typically travel 250 to 500 meters from the parent colony with shorter and longer distances being less common. This suggests a trapping grid surrounding colonies for a kilometer in all directions would probably trap 90% of swarms from an apiary. Although the research was done with European bees, these results suggest that mass trapping of swarms of African honey bees might have potential to control feral populations in the future. The authors also showed that European bee swarms prefer older cavities and previously occupied nests. The best kind of trap used to collect swarms continues to be the round paper pulp one designed at the Tucson laboratory by Dr. J. Schmidt and colleagues. A newer design, which allows frames to be inserted and so is easier for the beekeeper to handle, is not quite as effective, according to latest information. Unfortunately, the round trap can be easily invaded by rodents, birds, even bats. One paper by E. Sugen at the USDA Tucson bee lab showed how to put "burglar bars" of wire mesh over the opening from the inside using a hot glue gun. Killing wild swarms, nests and managed honey bee colonies was addressed in two papers. B. Sames and colleagues (USDA Weslaco lab) showed that Resmethrin (R), permethrin and soapy water (1:16 ratio detergent/water) were good in certain situations. Safer (R) soaps on the market were recommended because they are already labelled for insect control. To kill swarms from afar, J. Loper and colleagues (USDA Tucson lab), reported on the effectiveness of applying a toxic material (avermectin) to drones and then allowing them to fly back to contaminate the nest. The African bee was a natural focus of this meeting in the Arizona desert, although it has yet to cross the Mexican border. Several papers concentrated on identifying the bees using various chemical techniques. An immunological procedure is well along in development and the presenters (B. Kitto and colleagues, Univ. of Texas) provided optimism that a quick, inexpensive, easy- to-use identification method should be available to the market in less than a year. A discussion by Marilyn Houck, University of Arizona, raised some eyebrows. She indicated that morphometrics as currently employed was too biased toward bee size and suggested that a better indicator of African bees would be a technique where size was eliminated from the process. A most interesting paper concerning African bees was given by Dr. J. Schmidt and colleagues (USDA Tucson lab) on bee venom. Individual African bees, due to generally smaller size, have less venom than European bees. Statistics from around the nation reveal how very small the current public health threat is from honey bees. Even if the human death rate were to rise considerably with arrival of the African bee, there would be many greater risks to be concerned about such as heart disease, automobile accidents and lightning strikes. However, the risk of receiving many bee stings from African bees is very real, according to Dr. Schmidt, and the results can be different than is presently the experience of either the general public or beekeepers. Allergy followed by anaphylaxis is the way most people might die of honey bee stings in the U.S. With African bees, another event called "toxic envenomation" can occur. This means that the body's system does not break down because of allergy, but because it is challenged by so much venom when a great number of African bees attack. A large quantity of venom will not only cause kidney failure, but also induce allergic reactions in persons who have not experienced them before. Therefore, even "hardened" beekeepers, those who have built up an immunity to reactions over time, are at risk. Attempts to develop an antivenom like that currently available for snake bites have failed to date. I can only mention the highlights of the ABRC's program in this newsletter. Besides all the papers, the meeting also coincided with the annual meetings of both the American Association of Professional Apiculturists (AAPA) and the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA). The latter group was in the throes of developing a standard certificate for bee inspection covering American foulbrood, mites and African bees. The abstracts for the Research Conference should be out soon in the American Bee Journal. AFRICAN BEES ARRIVE The first confirmed African bee swarm was detected across the Texas border on October 15, 1990 in Hidalgo, near Brownsville. The infamous bee has finally arrived and beekeepers need to begin to come to grips with this reality. Although there is still much disagreement, we are getting a body of information on the African bee which will be useful in the future. In all the falderal about the insect, beekeepers must focus on two facts: (1) the African bee is a honey bee and (2) the beekeeper must adapt to the bee's behavior. The first statement is not a flip remark. Sometimes this simple fact is lost in heated discussions. I will repeat it. The African bee is a honey bee. That means the insect (yes, it is also an insect, albeit a social one) has all characteristics and behavior of other honey bees. It is the difference or variation in the bee's behavior that continues to be the focus of many discussions and accounts. The most objectionable and noticeable behavior, stinging, appears to be extreme. The bees at different times can be extremely gentle, however, they may also explode in an angry cloud at the slightest provocation. This means a less predictable, and therefore, less manageable bee. From this comes the second point made above. The bees will probably not be the ones adapting to a different management style, the beekeepers will. I am excerpting a letter which recently appeared in Dr. Eric Mussen's newsletter, "From the UC Apiaries." It is an interesting summary of Prof. Adam W. Armour's experience with African honey bees (AHB) in southern Mexico: "I feel that the American beekeepers are not yet prepared for the arrival of the AHB. The beekeepers here who weren't prepared are the ones who are going out of business. In answer to your questions: 1. We have 50 colonies operating for honey and pollen; beekeeping is a sideline for me. 2. I plan to have large smokers built locally. We used to manage hives without gloves, veil or other protection. We now use one piece bee suits with zip on veil and elbow gloves. I had to alter the suits to give complete ankle protection as well. 3. We keep colonies 100 meters from the nearest house, road or livestock. After being worked, the bee stays aggressive for the rest of the day. Apiaries near roads have been burned, poisoned or otherwise destroyed because of stings received by passersby. People here don't take kindly to having themselves or their animals stung. I can just imagine the lawsuits and problems when the AHB reaches the U.S. As you no doubt know, the AHB is not being genetically diluted or hybridized, as was formerly hoped." Prof. Armour goes on to discuss other issues such as destruction of colonies by vandals, swarm control (the key to producing any honey with AHB), requeening, migrating (which he doesn't recommend) and robbing (rare for some reason). It appears from the tone of Prof. Amour's letter, that if the aggressive (defensive) behavior of the bee could be controlled, then the problems produced by the AHB could be much better managed. Dr. Elbert Jaycox, The Bee Specialist, in one of his last newsletters on beekeeping (December, 1989) also made this point in a different way: "While some planners are considering only ways to exclude and control the African honey bees, other should be giving considerable thought to all the ways we can make it easier to live with them while we select for gentle productive strains." Dr. Jaycox then discusses the case for using bee houses, especially in urban areas. Their use would (1) keep colonies out of sight; (2) make it easier to manipulate bees under all weather conditions; and (3) provide a calming effect on colonies by being in shade. This calming effect was written about as early as 1960, according to Dr. Jaycox, by F.G. Smith in his book, "Beekeeping in the Tropics." Bee houses offer several other advantages, Dr. Jaycox says, such as convenient working height for colonies and the fact that guard bees at the entrance have no access to the beekeeper. Although bee houses are probably not the answer for large-scale beekeepers, Mr. Andy Nachbaur wrote me some time back that he noted less defensiveness in colonies fitted with modified pollen traps. As Mr. Nachbaur says, "I believe the reason for this is quite simple. Even though the exterior entrance to the hive was normal, the pollen screen that removes the pollen from the bees after they enter the hive was a natural barrier..." The guard bees chose to defend, Mr. Nachbaur says, the interior entrance, excluding exterior activities such as mowing or pulling weeds around colonies. He continues, "I think many beekeepers in different parts of the world have found that aggressive response of bees to intruders and the public can be reduced by bee houses and placement of exterior flight controllers such as trees or fences. I believe the same objective can be reached by modification of the bottom of the bee hive..." "But," he concludes, "the changes needed...would require a modification of beekeeper prejudices on the on dimensions of bottom boards... a bigger hurdle than the cost." CHANGES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA It's now official. The Entomology-Nematology Faculty at the University of Florida will be moving into a brand new building the first part of November. This transition is exciting, but is also likely to be a difficult time for all. This is clearly evident in the number of boxes crowding my office. Other new things to accommodate to will be changed phone numbers (I am told the number here will be transferred), an up-to-date high technology telephone system being answered from a central location, changed mailing addresses and other as yet unforseen events. I hope everyone will bear with us during this hectic period. Once established in the new building, the Department will be able to serve everyone's needs in a more efficient manner. A large problem this year is the smaller budget being received by University units. Entomology-Nematology is being hit hard by the five percent roll back in the state budget. The small figure is misleading because only certain areas are eligible to be cut. One of the first to be affected is operating funds; the cut translates into about a 25% reduction in these monies. Publishing information is an important part of these costs, and this newsletter is now being carefully scrutinized by administrators for its usefulness and relevance. Although the costs of the newsletter is relatively low ($1450 per twelve issues), its production represents a hefty proportion of funds used for printing and distributing written materials. I am currently looking into options available to continue the newsletter in its present format, but things are looking a bit grim at the moment. It is an axiom in most bureacracies that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." Given this reality, it is important that this newsletter receive support from those currently receiving it. The best way to do this is to write Dr. John Capinera, Chairman, Department of Entomology-Nematology, 3105 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-0143 indicating whether you perceive the newsletter to be valuable to you and other beekeepers in the state, and that you would like it to continue being supported as it has in the past. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford 0312 IFAS 202 Newell Hall University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0312 Phone (904) 392-1801 FAX: 904-392-5660 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU QN ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Oct 90 06:21:00 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: cdp!anlyyao@LABREA.STANFORD.EDU Subject: Re: OCTOBER ISSUE OF APIS--PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT TO MTS@IFASGNV OCTOBER ISSUE OF APIS RECEIVED Thanks a lot, An-Ly Yao-Kluge