www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations birds-and-rodents Birds and Rodents Birds of several species prey upon both adult and dormant bees. Starlings, robins, various swallows, summer tanagers, and the eastern kingbird have all been observed feeding upon newly emerged adult bees. Woodpeckers may also cause significant damage to both bee larvae and nest materials (Figure A.20). Once birds recognize bee nests as a source of […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations chalkbrood Chalkbrood The single most destructive disease of cavity-nesting bees is the fungal pathogen chalkbrood. Several chalkbrood species exist, including Ascosphaera torchioi (affecting mason bees), A. larvis, and A. aggrerata (both affecting the alfalfa leafcutter bee). These pathogens are different from the chalkbrood disease affecting honey bees (Ascophaera apis). Chalkbrood kills the bee by infecting the gut […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations ants Ants Like earwigs, ants are an occasional minor nuisance to mason and leafcutter bees. Damage is usually restricted to newly laid exposed bee eggs. Once nests are sealed, ant damage is usually minimal. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) have both been cited as nuisances, although many other species may also cause problems. […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations earwigs Earwigs Earwigs are a common nuisance associated with solitary bee nests in the eastern US. In particular, the introduced European Earwig (Forficula auricularia), is commonly observed in humid areas where it scavenges in and around bee nest tubes during the summer—often eating pollen provisions, leaf nest materials, and sometimes bee eggs. Despite their appearance, the large […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations moths Moths The driedfruit moth (Vitula edmandsae), and the indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella) are two destructive scavengers sometimes associated with cavity-nesting bees. Both cause damage in their larval stage by feeding on nectar-pollen provisions and bee larvae. In the process of tunneling between cells, the moth larva may destroy multiple cocoons, and may even chew through the […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations flies Flies Two fly species are occasional minor predators of leafcutter and mason bees. The larvae of the dewy bee fly (Anthrax irroratus) are occasionally found feeding on immature bees. Two spikes projecting from the head of the immature fly are used to break through cell partitions. Physocephala texana, a conopid fly, briefly lands upon foraging adult […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations beetles Beetles Beetles constitute the most diverse insect order on Earth. The vast majority of them are beneficial, preying on crop pests and recycling nutrients. Only a few of them present challenges to beekeepers. Blister Species Various species of blister beetles (in the beetle family Meloidae) are common cleptoparasites of many cavity-nesting bees. Tricrania stansburyi, measures up […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations cuckoo-bees Cuckoo Bees Cuckoo bees, like sapygid wasps and hairy-fingered mites, are cleptoparasites. Female cuckoo bees lay a single egg in the uncapped cell of the host bee while the rightful owner is away foraging. Upon hatching, the parasite larva kills the host and consumes its food provision. There is a single generation per year and the development […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations mites Mites Currently, most mite problems involving cavity-nesting bees are associated with the so-called hairy-fingered mite (Chaetodactylus krombeini), a major native cleptoparasite of the blue orchard bee (Figure A.7). A related species, Chaetodactylus nipponicus, is considered a major pest of the hornfaced bee in Japan where it is blamed for 80 percent of all bee mortality, and […]
www.sare.org publications managing-alternative-pollinators appendix-a-managing-parasites-and-disease-in-solitary-bee-operations wasps Wasps Predatory and parasitic wasps are among the most common enemies of cavity-nesting bees. Most problem species are direct parasites of bees. Using a long, stinger-like ovipositor, these wasp species pierce loose bee cells, cocoons, or unsecured nesting materials, then lay a series of eggs on the bee or bee larva. Upon hatching, the wasp larvae […]