Beekeeping

The bumblebee is an insect belonging to the Apidae family, a subcategory branching out from the Anthophila clade. The bumblebee belongs specifically to what is identified as the Bombini tribe of bees, this tribe consists of large apid bees that commonly feed on pollen or nectar. The Bumblebee belongs specifically to the Bombus genus classification. Bumblebees require an ambient amount of flowing plants in their habitat. Flowers play a prominent role in a prosperous bumblebee habitat, this is…

The Wasp (Hymenoptera) There are two common kinds of wasps, the social and the solitary. The social are called that as they usually live and work together in colonies, whereas the solitary wasps rear their families alone. The Wasp There are over one hundred thousand species of wasps and they can be found living in wall cavities, lofts, hollow trees and bushes. The solitary wasp lives alone and makes a nest for its family, which could be a hole in a tree or the ground. Some solitary wasps build…

Summary: Over the past two years, the bee population has decreased dramatically and has immensely affected the pollination of plants. The question they are trying to answer is are bees dying because of the Varroa mite and deformed wing virus or pesticides? The scientist’s hypothesis was that the sudden decrease of bees was because of the Varroa mite and deformed wing virus, not because of pesticides. Their experiment was to produce and infect the larvae, pupae, and fully developed bees with an…

5 Reasons Why It Is So Important To Control Carpenter Bees The sweet smell of nectar floats gently on the warm spring breeze, The flowers are blossoming, and there is a buzz in the air. While everything is in blooom, be sure to look closely at what is making that buzz and ensure that it is not a carpenter bees. The carpenter bee is a menace to homeowners everywhere within the United States. Throughout the lower 48, you can find these large bees foraging for nectar and buzzing frantically…

In my freshman year of college, I researched and prepared a speech for my communications class about the Colony Collapse Disorder affecting bees and what it could mean for the plants and animals reliant on pollinators. Just recently, bees became the newest addition to endangered species list causing increased concern over the vitality of our ecosystems if the humble insect were to be eradicated altogether. While few news organizations have written about the placement of bees on the list, one…

The yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus) is indigenous to the island of Puerto Rico. It is speculated that this species is derived from the red-winged blackbird which is native to the Haitian Island. Physically the yellow-shouldered blackbird looks just like it sounds, black with brachial yellow patches around the shoulders of the bird. The males are usually larger,heavier and have larger wings than the females of the species. On average the adult birds measure between twenty to…

From larva to a majestic winged monarch butterfly, the transformation a caterpillar undergoes in its quest to become a butterfly is truly unique. In such process a sixteen legged pest morphs into a beautiful butterfly. Though a beautiful sight, what a caterpillar actually goes through on this journey is quite gruesome. Many wonder how this 180 degree transformation is possible, but broken down it is much simpler to comprehend. Monarch butterflies lay their milky white eggs on milkweed, insuring…

Bees are the world's top pollinators. There are over 20,000 different kinds of bees, and they are unfortunately dying off due to the increase of pesticides. Pollinators transfer pollen and seeds from one flower to another, fertilizing the plant so it can grow and produce food. These insects are responsible for pollinating one third of the world's crops. Bees need to live without these inorganic forms of pesticides, so that they can produce honey and pollinate crops. These healthy bees were…

A foreign ant species has found its way in the US, particularly in the state of Florida. The said ant is native to Madagascar but has made its way to Caribbean countries decades ago. Now, it is set to invade the US state. In Florida, there are currently 19 invasive ant species, which often thrive in warm weather and human activity such as the said state. The little yellow ant (Plagiolepis alluaudi) is an invasive, highly-reproductive, and foraging experts. At less than 2 millimeters, these…

Viruses (brood) Black Queen Cell Virus (brood) Sacbrood Virus (both) Slow Bee Paralysis Virus (both) Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (adult) Bee Virus X (adult) Bee Virus Y (adult) Deformed Wing Virus (adult) Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (adult) Apis Iridescent Virus Fungi (brood) Stone Brood (brood) Chalkbrood (Adult) Nosema Apis and Nosema Ceranae Nosema inhibits the bee’s stomach and digestive system. It spreads through a colony through regurgitation which occurs when bees process honey…