Risk of feeding honey bee colonies pollen substitute patties in winter when small hive beetles, Aethina tumida Murray (coleoptera: Nitidulidae) are present

摘要

The discovery of small hive beetle (SHE) larvae in honey bee colonies in winter when pollen substitute patties were fed prompted research to investigate the risk of this activity. Thirty-two honey bee colonies were equalized for bees and brood in fall, 2006, and half the colonies were fed pollen substitute patties continuously from 10 December 2006 - 20 March 2007. A pollen substitute patty was placed across the top bars in the center of the brood chamber of each treated colony for the duration of the project. Capped brood was measured as a colony strength parameter in each colony on 10 December and during each follow up visit. SHB larvae occurred throughout the investigation in colonies having pollen substitute patties and were found primarily concentrated in,the patties. SHB larvae were unable to develop past the larval stage and apparently were unable to survive once leaving the warmer area just above the bee cluster as many dead larvae were found on the bottom board. SHB larvae rarely occurredin control colonies receiving no pollen substitute patties. There was an increase in capped brood found in colonies fed pollen substitute patties compared to control colonies. The results of this investigation indicate low risk by beekeepers who feed their colonies pollen substitute patties in winter when conditions are unfavorable for SHB reproduction. However, beekeepers should be conservative in feeding pollen substitute patties when SHB adults are present in late winter or early spring when mild temperatures may persist and result in beetle reproduction earlier than normal.