Identification, characterization and mapping of honey bee flora of Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia

Aim: The study aimed to identify and document major honey bee flora, their blooming seasons (floral calendar), density and frequency, beekeeping potential areas, and place radius for the major bee flora of the Al-Baha region.Methodology: To identify the honey bee flora of al-Baha region, 420 quadrates were established in different seasons and ecological zones. Plants as honey bee forages were identified through observation of the foraging of honey bees on the flowers for nectar or/and pollen. The density and frequency of each plant was calculated, density and radius maps for major honey bee plants were made using the Arc-Map. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out for major honey bee plants using MVSP software. Results: The results showed that more than 550 species of flowering plants were recorded in the study areas, of which 204 plant species belonging to 58 families were identified as honey bee plants. However, only 9 species were found to be an important source of major honeys in the region. The largest number (13%) of honey bee plants was recorded for the family Asteraceae, followed by Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae each with 13 (6.4%), 11 (5.4%), 11 (5.4%) and 10 (4.9%) plants, respectively. Each of the remaining families had 1 to 8 species. Interpretation: The radius maps, as well as the blooming periods of honey bee flora will guide beekeepers to move their colonies during the peak flowering periods

Utilizing bioinformatics to detect genetic similarities between African honey bee subspecies

Various honey bees, especially subspecies Apis mellifera, occur in Africa and are distribute across the continent. The genetic relationships and identical genetic characteristics between honey bee subspecies in Africa (African bee subspecies) have not been widely investigated using sequence analysis. On the other hand, bioinformatics are developed rapidly and have diverse applications. It is anticipated that bioinformatics can show the genetic relationships and similarities among subspecies. These points have high importance, especially subspecies with identical genetic characteristics can be infected with the same group of pathogens, which have implications on honey bee health. In this study, the mitochondrial DNA sequences of four African subspecies and Africanized bees were subjected to the analyses of base composition, phylogeny, shared gene clusters, enzymatic digestion, and open reading frames. High identical base composition was detected in the studied subspecies, and high identical results from all tests were found between A. m. scutellata and A. m. capensis followed by A. m. intermissa and A. m. monticola. The least genetic relationships were found between A. m. lamarckii and the other subspecies. This study presents insights into the genetic aspects of African bee subspecies and highlights similarity and dissimilarity aspects. Also, Africanized honey bees derived from A. m. scutellata showed high genetic similarities to other African bees, especially A. m.capensis. Additionally, specific primers to identify these subspecies were designed and tested.

Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change Effect on Honey Bee Productivity in Southern Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the educational requirement of Beekeepers in mitigating Climate Change Effects on bee honey production in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used in achieving this. To adequately and appropriately execute the project three objectives were formulated. From these objectives, research questions were generated and hypotheses formulated accordingly to guide data gathering and analysis. The instrument for data gathering was a four point close ended questionnaire from which 150 farmers and 50 extension agents were selected to respond to items in the questionnaire using the census approach. Data collected from their responses were subjected to two forms of descriptive analysis. The first was percentage descriptive analysis which was used to x-ray the biodata. Second, mean and standard deviation were used to treat the research questions. The third method used is the independent t-test on the three man hypothesis of the study. The result of the analysis warranted the rejection of the three null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance with 198 degrees of freedom using 1.96 as the critical t-value. It was found out that ecological practices of farmers contribute to climate change, climate change has impacted negatively on bee honey production, and farmers should be educated through agricultural extension education in order to become conscious of their practices on natural resources and mitigate climate change effects in bee honey production.

Efficient Method for the Rapid Purification of Nosema ceranae Spores

Nosema ceranae is an obligate intracellular fungal parasite that causes mortality in honey bees and enhances the susceptibility of honey bees to other pathogens. Efficient purification of Nosema spores from the midgut of infected honey bees is very important because Nosema is non-culturable and only seasonably available. To achieve a higher yield of spores from honey bees, in this study, we considered that the initial release of spores from the midgut tissues was the most critical step. The use of 2 mm beads along with enzymatic treatment with collagenase and trypsin enhanced the homogenization of tissues and the yield of released spores by approximately 2.95 times compared with the use of common 3 mm beads alone. The optimal time for the enzyme treatment was determined to be 1 hr as measured by the yield and viability of the spores. A one-step filtration using a filter paper with an 8–11 µm pore size was sufficient for removing cell debris. This method may be useful to purify not only N. ceranae spores but also other Nosema spp. spores.

Biological and therapeutic effects of honey produced by honey bees and stingless bees: a comparative review

ABSTRACT Honey is a natural product produced by both honey bees and stingless bees. Both types of honey contain unique and distinct types of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of variable biological and clinical importance. Honey is one of the most effective natural products used for wound healing. In this review, the traditional uses and clinical applications of both honey bee and stingless bee honey – such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, and cardioprotective properties; the treatment of eye disorders, gastrointestinal tract diseases, neurological disorders, and fertility disorders and wound healing activity are described.

Massive attack by honeybees in a German shepherd dog: description of a fatal case and review of the literature

In the present study, a fatal case caused by honeybee (Apis cerana) stings was documented in a female German shepherd dog that was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Characteristic clinical signs included hematuria, hematemesis, incoordination and convulsions along with evidence of massive honeybee attack supported the diagnosis of envenomation. The dog was treated with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine, but it did not respond to therapy and died. This outcome could be avoided if we had a bee antivenom available for treating envenomated patients.(AU)

Massive attack by honeybees in a German shepherd dog: description of a fatal case and review of the literature

In the present study, a fatal case caused by honeybee (Apis cerana) stings was documented in a female German shepherd dog that was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Characteristic clinical signs included hematuria, hematemesis, incoordination and convulsions along with evidence of massive honeybee attack supported the diagnosis of envenomation. The dog was treated with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine, but it did not respond to therapy and died. This outcome could be avoided if we had a bee antivenom available for treating envenomated patients.

Acute Renal Failure and Silent Myocardial Infarction Following Multiple Honey Bee Stings.

Massive envenomation by honey bee sting is capable of causing multiorgan dysfunction as a result of direct toxic effect of venom and secondary to systemic anaphylactic reactions. Myocardial infarction (MI) due to honey bee sting is rare, so is acute renal failure (ARF). The probable mechanism is severe coronary arterial spasm with secondary in situ thrombosis as a result of systemic anaphylaxis. This is a case of Kounis syndrome, which is the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes with conditions associated with mast cell activation. We describe a case of ARF and MI in a 58-year-old man after multiple honey bee stings; clinically silent and detected on electrocardiography and by cardiac biomarkers.

Pollen diet for in vitro rearing of africanized honey bee larvae, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Dieta polínica para criação in vitro de larvas de abelhas melíferas africanizadas, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Pollen is the major protein source for honey bees, Apis mellifera. It is essential for the adults to produce royal jelly to feed the larvae. Young larvae receive the brood food, whereas the older (over 3 days old) larvae receive pollen in addition to brood food. The nutritional value of pollen has been investigated only in adults or at the colony level. Protocols for rearing Africanized honey bee larvae in vitro using diets with mixtures of pollen had not been established. We examined different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%) of two mixtures of pollen in the larval diet. The effects of pollen diets on larval development were assessed. The survival and development of larvae fed with 10% pollen was impaired; this concentration should be avoided. Concentrations of 2.5 and 5% pollen did not show significant changes in survival, weight, development or the hemolymph protein profile when compared to the controls (without pollen). However, differences in larval survival were observed between the two pollen mixtures (pollen blends 1 and 2), suggesting that a diet with a superior digestibility and greater familial diversity of pollen (blend 2) is more nutritionally adequate.

O pólen é a principal fonte de proteína para as abelhas melíferas, Apis mellifera. Ele é essencial para que os adultos produzam geleia real para nutrir as larvas. As larvas jovens recebem geleia real, enquanto que as larvas mais velhas (mais que 3 dias de idade) recebem pólen juntamente com a geleia real. O valor nutricional do pólen tem sido investigado apenas em adultos ou ao nível de colônia. Protocolos de criação de larvas de abelhas africanizadas in vitro utilizando dietas com misturas de pólen não foram estabelecidas. Nós examinamos diferentes concentrações (2,5, 5 e 10%) de duas misturas de pólen na dieta de larvas. O efeito das dietas de pólen no desenvolvimento larval foi avaliado. A sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento das larvas alimentadas com 10% de pólen foram prejudicados; esta concentração deve ser evitada. Concentrações de 2,5 e 5% de pólen não mostraram uma mudança significativa na sobrevivência, no peso, no desenvolvimento ou no perfil proteico da hemolinfa, quando comparado com os controles (sem pólen). No entanto, diferenças na sobrevivência das larvas foram observadas entre duas misturas de pólen (mistura 1 e 2), sugerindo que uma dieta com uma digestibilidade superior e maior diversidade de famílias de pólens (mistura 2) é nutricionalmente mais adequada.

Identification of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus fermentum from honey stomach of honeybee

This study aimed to isolate and identify Lactobacillus in the honey stomach of honeybee Apis dorsata. Samples of honeybee were collected from A. dorsata colonies in different bee trees and Lactobacillus bacteria isolated from honey stomachs. Ninety two isolates were Gram-stained and tested for catalase reaction. By using bacterial universal primers, the 16S rDNA gene from DNA of bacterial colonies amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-nine bacterial 16S rDNA gene were sequenced and entrusted in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed they were different phylotypes of Lactobacillus. Two of them were most closely relevant to the previously described species Lactobacillus plantarum. Other two phylotypes were identified to be closely related to Lactobacillus pentosus. However, only one phylotype was found to be distantly linked to the Lactobacillus fermentum. The outcomes of the present study indicated that L. plantarum, L. pentosus, and L. fermentum were the dominant lactobacilli in the honey stomach of honeybee A. dorsata collected during the dry season from Malaysia forest area - specifically "Melaleuca in Terengganu".

Expression profile of a Laccase2 encoding gene during the metamorphic molt in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera,Apidae)

Expression profile of a Laccase2 encoding gene during the metamorphic molt in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Metamorphosis in holometabolous insects occurs through two subsequent molting cycles: pupation (metamorphic molt) and adult differentiation (imaginal molt). The imaginal molt in Apis mellifera L. was recently investigated in both histological and physiological-molecular approaches. Although the metamorphic molt in this model bee is extremely important to development, it is not well-known yet. In the current study we used this stage as an ontogenetic scenario to investigate the transcriptional profile of the gene Amlac2, which encodes a laccase with an essential role in cuticle differentiation. Amlac2 expression in epidermis was contrasted with the hemolymph titer of ecdysteroid hormones and with the most evident morphological events occurring during cuticle renewal. RT-PCR semiquantitative analyses using integument samples revealed increased levels of Amlac2 transcripts right after apolysis and during the subsequent pharate period, and declining levels near pupal ecdysis. Compared with the expression of a cuticle protein gene, AmelCPR14, these results highlighted the importance of the ecdysteroid-induced apolysis as an ontogenetic marker of gene reactivation in epidermis for cuticle renewal. The obtained results strengthen the comprehension of metamorphosis in Apis mellifera. In addition, we reviewed the literature about the development of A. mellifera, and emphasize the importance of revising the terminology used to describe honey bee molting cycles.

First report of Israeli acute paralysis virus in asymptomatic hives of Argentina / Primera comunciación del virus israelí de la parálisis aguda en colmenas asintomáticas de la República Argentina

Honey bee mortality has recently been associated with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), a proposed etiological agent for a new syndrome known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Bees infected with this virus show shivering wings, progress into paralysis, and finally die outside the hive. During the last years, honey bee mortality became a serious problem for Argentinean beekeepers. We herein report the preliminary results of a survey carried out to detect IAPV in samples taken from several Argentine provinces, by using a reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. Our data indicate the existence of high frequency of IAPV in asymptomatic hives of Argentina.

Recientemente la mortalidad de las abejas melíferas ha sido asociada al virus israelí de la parálisis aguda (IAPV), propuesto como agente etiológico del denominado síndrome de despoblamiento de las colmenas. Las abejas infectadas con este virus presentan temblores en las alas que progresan hasta convertirse en parálisis, y finalmente mueren fuera de la colmena. Durante los últimos años, la mortalidad de las abejas melíferas se ha transformado en un serio problema para los productores de miel de la Argentina. Nosotros informamos aquí los resultados preliminares de un estudio realizado para detectar IAPV en muestras de colmenas provenientes de varias provincias argentinas utilizando la técnica de transcripción reversa-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Nuestros datos indican la presencia de IAPV en un alto porcentaje de las colonias estudiadas.

Resistance to Chalkbrood Disease in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies with Different Hygienic Behaviour

Chalkbrood disease affects the larvae of honeybees Apis mellifera L. and is caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. Infected larvae die when they are stretched in the cap cell and suffer a gradual hardening that ends in a very hard structure (mummie). Several studies have demonstrated that colonies that express an efficient hygienic behaviour (uncapping of cell and subsequent removal of dead brood) exhibit a higher resistance to the disease. However, it remains unclear whether the advantage of hygienic colonies over less hygienic ones lies in the ability to remove mummies or in the early detection of infected larvae and its cannibalization before they harden. To elucidate this aspect, the hygienic behaviour of 24 colonies, which were subsequently provided with pollen cakes containig A. apis, was evaluated. The number of mummies and the number of partially cannibalized and whole larvae in uncapped cells were recorded. The most hygienic colonies controlled the disease better. These colonies also had a higher tendency to uncap cells that contained infected larvae and cannibalize them. The presence of A. apis in partially cannibalized and whole larvae in uncapped cells indicate that the advantage of hygienic colonies over less hygienic ones lies in the early detection of infected larvae death and their quick removal from the cell before they become mummies.

In vitro Biphasic Effect of Honey Bee Venom on Basophils from Screened Healthy Blood Donors

Apis mellifera L. bee venom is the most studied hymenoptera allergen, but many aspects of its action on human basophils remain unclear. Allergologists seek evidence of the effectiveness of bee venom immunotherapy as this approach is the chosen treatment for systemic allergic reactions. The effect of bee venom on human basophils in vitro has not been studied in detail for many reasons, including the paucity of basophils in peripheral blood, inter-individual basophil response variability, and the reliability and predictability of basophil activation tests. We conducted a brief preliminary survey of the effect of Apis bee venom on healthy asymptomatic (non-allergic) subjects. A dose of an aqueous commercial extract of Apis bee venom as high as 10 microg/mL activated resting basophils (CD63=+80-90%, CD203c=+30%), while it inhibited the expression of CD63 (-50%) following basophil stimulation by the soluble agonists formyl-Met-Leu-Phe or anti-IgE. The activation of resting basophils appeared to be dose-related. Only when basophils were activated with an IgE-mediated agonist, did bee venom extract exhibit a possible priming mechanism at the lowest doses used only via CD63, while it was ineffective via CD203c. Autocrine interleukin-3 may play a role in the observed biphasic behavior.

Ecological impatt on native bees by the invasive africanized honey eee / Abejas cleptoparasitas, con énfasis en las abejas hospederas colectoras de aceites (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

Very little effort has been made to investigate bee population dynamics among intact wilderness areas. The presence of newly-arrived feral Africanized honey bee (AHB), Apis mellifera (Apidae), populations was studied for 10-17 years in areas previously with few or no escaped European apiary honey bees. Here I describe and interpret the major results from studies in three neotropical forests: French Guiana, Panama and Yucatan, Mexico (5° to 19° N. latitude). The exotic Africanized honey bees did not produce a negative effect on native bees, including species that were solitary or highly eusocial. Major differences over time were found in honey bee abundance on flowers near habitat experiencing the greatest degree of disturbance, compared to deep forest areas. At the population level, sampled at nest blocks, or at flower patches, or at light traps, there was no sudden decline in bees after AHB arrival, and relatively steady or sinusoidal population dynamics. However, the native bees shifted their foraging time or floral species. A principal conclusion is that such competition is silent, in floristically rich habitats, because bees compensate behaviorally for competition. Other factors limit their populations.

Pocos estudios han considerado la dinámica de poblaciones de abejas en bosques o hábitats no alterados por el hombre. La presencia de abejas silvestres Africanizadas de Apis mellifera (Apidae) fue estudiado por 10-17 años en áreas previamente sin esta especie. Aquí presento e interpreto resultados de tres bosques neotropicales: Guyana Francesa, Panamá y Yucatán, México (5° a 19° N. latitud). La abeja Africanizada exótica no produjo efecto negativo en las abejas nativas, incluyendo especies altamente sociales y solitarias. Diferencias mayores a través del tiempo fueron encontradas en la abundancia de las abejas de miel en flores cerca de hábitat con mayor grado de disturbio, comparado con el bosque espeso. Al nivel poblacional, muestreado en bloques de nidos trampa, en flores o con trampas ultravioletas de insectos, no hubo disminución pronta de abejas, y sí hubo una población relativamente estable o sinusoidal. Sin embargo, las abejas nativas cambiaron su hora de buscar provisiones o su selección de especies florales. Una conclusión principal es que esta competencia por los recursos es ‘silenciosa';, en las áreas florísticamente ricas estudiadas, porque las mismas abejas compensan con su comportamiento. Otros factores rigen sus poblaciones.

Toxicidade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados em citros para Apis mellifera / Toxicity of pesticides used in citrus crop to Apis mellifera

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade de inseticidas/acaricidas utilizados em cultura de citros para operárias africanizadas de Apis mellifera Linnaeus. A exposição das abelhas aos compostos foi realizada usando-se técnicas de pulverização, contaminação da dieta e contato em superfícies tratadas (folhas de citros e placas de Petri), empregando-se asdoses máximas recomendadas para a cultura. Os bioensaios foram realizados em laboratório a 25±2°C, UR 70±10% efotofase de 12h, sendo os dados de mortalidade submetidos à análise estatística, e as médias comparadas por contraste, obtendo-se grupos de efeitos semelhantes. Independente do modo de exposição, o acefato foi extremamente tóxico, matando mais de 90,0% das abelhas 24h após a aplicação. Os produtos espirodiclofeno e piriproxifem, quando aplicados diretamente sobre as abelhas, causaram níveis de mortalidade de 11,0 e 15,0%, respectivamente; os compostos buprofezina, enxofre e tetradifona apresentaram níveis de mortalidade ainda menores, com média de 5,0% entre eles. Para os ensaios decontaminação de superfície (folhas de citros e placas de Petri) e contaminação de alimento, foram obtidos dois grupos de toxicidade, um grupo somente com acefato e outro, com buprofezina, enxofre, espirodiclofeno, piriproxifem, tetradifona e água. A mortalidade média para esse segundo grupo, após 96h do início da exposição, foi de 31,0; 8,3 e 15,7%, respectivamente, para cada método de contaminação.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the toxicity of several acaricides/insecticides used in Brazilian citrus crop to africanized workers of Apis mellifera Linnaeus. The expositionof honey bees to the chemicals was performed by direct spraying, contamination of food, and contact in treated surface (citrus leaves and Petri dishes), using recommended rates ofapplication. The assays were carried out at 25±2°C, RH 70±10%, 12h of photophase and the data was statisticallyanalyzed, with mean values of mortality being compared through cluster analysis. In all assays acephate was highly toxic, with mortality at 24 hours around 90.0%. When spirodiclofen and pyriproxyfen, was sprayed directly into the honeybees, they caused mortality levels of 11.0 and 15.0%, respectively; buprofezin, sulphur and tetradifon were less toxic, with mean mortality of 5.0% among these compounds. For the assays from contamination surface (citrus leaves and Petri dishes) and food, two groups of chemicals with the same toxiceffects were observed, one with acephate and other with buprofezin, sulphur, spirodiclofen, pyriproxyfen, tetradifon and water. The average mortality after 96 hours of exposition was 31.0; 8.3 and 15.7%, respectively, for each method of contamination.

Produção de mel por abelhas africanizadas em plantio de mamoneira / Honey production by Africanized honey bees in castor bean cropping

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar se abelhas Apis mellifera L. produzem mel ou não em plantio comercial de mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.). A pesquisa foi realizada no Núcleo de Produção Comunitária Santa Clara, Canto do Buriti, Piauí (PI). Dois apiários, com seis colônias cada, foram instalados em duas áreas de cultivo de mamona. A primeira área era mantida livre de ervas daninhas (área limpa), enquanto a outra não, apresentando estrato herbáceo entre as fileiras de cultivo (área suja). As colônias receberam melgueiras vazias à medida que necessário e eram pesadas a cada sete dias, até o final do experimento, aos 49 dias. Houve produção de mel em todas as colônias, porém a produção não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os apiários a cada pesagem. A área limpa produziu uma média de 18,8±4,0kg de mel/colônia, enquanto que, na área suja, a produtividade foi de 23,5±3,0. Conclui-se que abelhas Apis mellifera L. produzem e armazenam mel quando introduzidas em áreas de cultivo comercial de mamona.

This research aimed to investigate whether Apis mellifera L. bees produce honey in commercial plantations of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) or not. This research was carried out in the Núcleo de Produção Comunitária Santa Clara, Canto do Buriti, Piauí, Brazil. Two apiaries of six colonies each were installed in two castor bean plots. The first plot was kept free of weeds (clean plot) while the other not (dirty area), presenting herbaceous vegetation between the castor bean rows. Empty supers were given to the colonies as they were required and weighted every seven days afterwards until the end of the experiment 49 days later. There was honey production in all colonies, but honey production did not differ (P>0.05) between apiaries at any weighing. The clean plot produced an average of 18.8±4.0kg honey/colony while the dirty area reached 23.5±3.0. It was concluded that Apis mellifera L. produce and store honey in castor bean cropping areas.

Selection and estimation of the heritability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) pollen collection behavior in Apis mellifera colonies

We selected honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) with a high tendency to collect sunflower pollen and estimated the heritability of this trait. The percentage of sunflower pollen collected by 74 colonies was evaluated. Five colonies that collected the highest percentages of sunflower pollen were selected. Nineteen colonies headed by daughters of these selected queens were evaluated for this characteristic in comparison with 20 control (unselected) colonies. The variation for the proportion of sunflower pollen was greater among colonies of the control group than among these selected daughter colonies. The estimated heritability was 0.26 +/- 0.23, demonstrating that selection to increase sunflower pollen collection is feasible. Such selected colonies could be used to improve sunflower pollination in commercial fields.

Extendend chromatin fibers in spermatozoa of apis mellifera (HYMENOPTERA, APOIDEA)

The flow of chromatin from the nuclei of mouse liver cells and spermatozoa after treatment with concentratedsaline and detergent solutions under the simultaneous action of gravity results in the formation of extendedchromatin fibers (ECF). In mouse somatic nuclei, the increase in chromatin condensation is accompaniedby a decrease in the frequency of ECF formation. Since tightly packed chromatin with a very lysine-richhistone variant that resembles somatic H1 histones occurs in honey bee spermatozoa, we examined theformation of ECF in sperm cells of Apis mellifera, and compared the findings with data for mouse cells.Freshly prepared smears of fixed and unfixed semen from A. mellifera were lysed under the action of gravity,stained with toluidine blue at pH 4.0, and examined with polarized and unpolarized light. A protocol usingunfixed preparations and a short lysis period that resulted in abundant ECF production in mouse hepatocytes(which contain loosely-packed chromatin) and sperm cells produced ECF in only a few spermatozoa of A.mellifera. In contrast, a protocol using fixed preparations and a long lysis period produced fewer ECFs inthe former two cell types and no ECF formation in honey bee spermatozoa. The limited chromatin fluidityin A. mellifera spermatozoa may reflect their special DNA-protein composition and organization in the cellnuclei, the participation of nuclear matrix elements, a less effective disruption of the nuclear envelope andplasmalemmal components during lysis, and/or cytoplasmic spatial constraints resulting from particularitiesin the acrosomal complex.

The bee mite Melittiphis alvearius (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae) in Colombia, South America / O ácaro Melittiphis alvearius (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae) na Colômbia, América do Sul

O total de 21 fêmeas do ácaro Melittiphis alvearius (Berlese) foi coletado sobre adultos de abelhas melíferas (Apis mellifera L.) em 12 colméias no departamento de Nariño, Colômbia. Este é o primeiro registro do ácaro na América do Sul.

A total of 21 females Melittiphis alvearius (Berlese) were found on adult honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) from 12 beehives in Nariño department, Colombia. This mite has not been previously reported in South America.