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Small Hive Beetles (Aethina Tumida Murray) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

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Beekeeping – From Science to Practice

Abstract

The natural distribution of Aethina tumida (SHB) is limited to sub-Saharan Africa, where SHB is considered to be a minor and negligible pest. The introduction into countries outside of Africa, like Australia, the USA, and the recent introduction into Italy, had devastating effects. This suggests that the SHB can be a serious threat to beekeeping operations when using European stock of A. mellifera. Nevertheless, comparative research in Africa and North America over the last decade suggests that there are only quantitative and no qualitative differences between the subspecies, which makes the one subspecies susceptible and the other one resistant. The scientific evidences indicate that general aspects like colony activity levels may play a crucial role in resistance. Therefore, changes in the management practice can significantly decrease the susceptibility of colonies toward SHB. The rule of thumb is to help the colonies to help themselves by maintaining strong colonies, ensuring workers have access to all parts of the hive where beetles hide and/or reproduce. Preventative measures should also be put in place so SHBs are unable to reproduce outside the hive, in the honeyroom or in old, stored comb.

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Acknowledgements

The author is grateful to Colleen Hepburn for commenting on an earlier version of the chapter and to Chamanti Laing and Ursula Strauss for providing photo material.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social Insects Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, Pretoria, South Africa

    Christian W. W. Pirk

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  1. Christian W. W. Pirk
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Correspondence to Christian W. W. Pirk .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Bickering Bees Farm, Belle Haven, VA, USA

    Russell H. Vreeland

  2. Tucson, AZ, USA

    Diana Sammataro

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Pirk, C.W.W. (2017). Small Hive Beetles (Aethina Tumida Murray) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). In: Vreeland, R., Sammataro, D. (eds) Beekeeping – From Science to Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60637-8_9

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