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Social encapsulation of beetle parasites by Cape honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera capensis Esch.)
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posted on 2023-06-08, 05:23 authored by P Neumann, C Pirk, H Hepburn, A Solbrig, Francis Ratnieks, P Elzen, J BaxterWorker honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis) encapsulate the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), a nest parasite, in propolis (tree resin collected by the bees). The encapsulation process lasts 1-4 days and the bees have a sophisticated guarding strategy for limiting the escape of beetles during encapsulation. Some encapsulated beetles died (4.9%) and a few escaped (1.6%). Encapsulation has probably evolved because the small hive beetle cannot easily be killed by the bees due to its hard exoskeleton and defensive behaviour.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
Die NaturwissenschaftenISSN
0028-1042External DOI
Volume
88Page range
214-216Pages
3.0Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-02-06Usage metrics
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