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Ireland is home to a significant population of black bee or Apis mellifera mellifera (A.m.m.). The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor is the most significant pathological threat to A.m.m., leading to significant mortality and morbidity in its colonies (Van Eagelsdorp et al, 2008; Dietmann et al, 2012). Evidence and protection of colonies with clean behaviour influences sustainability.
This project investigates if Apis mellifera mellifera display evidence of heritable traits of hygienic behaviour, including (i) removal of dead larvae, (ii) recapping, and (iii) grooming. These traits act as defence mechanisms against the Varroa mite. Eight colonies in two apiaries were selected for examination in September 2023 in South Galway. The first apiary (A) was treated chemically for Varroa 18 months previously. Apiary (B) was treated eight months previously. Both displayed evidence of hygienic behaviour but neither displayed evidence of the higher hygienic behaviour of recapping. Apiary A performed better than Apiary B thus supporting my hypothesis that chemically untreated bees will perform better levels of heritable hygienic behaviour than treated bees. The Sugar Shake Test and the Pin Kill Test showed significant differences between apiaries.
In April and July 2024 Apiary A was examined for grooming behaviour and removal of dead larvae. Apiary B was not available due to colony losses. Apiary A continued to display strong levels of heritable hygienic behaviour. Breeding for varroa-resistant honeybees is a focus of current research. With reference to recapping, there is European evidence of recapping but there is minimal work done on this phenomenon with A.m.m. in Ireland.
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