South Africa: How Beetles Trick Bees Into Feeding Them Food Rich in Nutrients

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How Beetles Trick Bees Into Feeding Them Food Rich in Nutrients TC_Africa: SouthAfrica

By Christian W. W. Pirk

But during the 1990s the beetle was accidentally introduced into the US, where it encountered honey bees that originated from European populations. They didn't share the evolutionary history, so the beetle was able to take full advantage. It caused the death of thousands of colonies and damaged the apicultural industry. It has also spread to other parts of the world and has become a threat to agriculture and biodiversity.

We investigated what the bees were feeding the beetles and showed that it was food rich in protein, normally reserved for the queen bee. It explains how the beetles can survive when"held captive" by the bees and are able to reproduce as soon as there is an opportunity. During these interactions the beetles' antennae and mouth parts are close enough to touch the bees' mandibles. They make contact with the bees' mandibles, mostly, but also their antennae and other parts of the head. Beetles also use their forelegs to touch the bees' mandibles. This is very similar to what bees do to each other when exchanging food - so-called trophallaxis.

 

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