Beekeeping is essential for global food security and the economy. Yet, honey bees face growing threats like parasitic mites and invasive hornets that can devastate colonies and impact native bee populations. Tropilaelaps (Tropi) mites, native to Asia, are expanding their range and causing significant declines in honey bee populations. Similarly, Asian giant hornets pose both a threat to bees and public health. Given the potential for these pests to spread globally, I study a variety of honey bee pests across Asia as part of the Boulder Bee Lab. I will present the preliminary results of this research. During a multi-year effort, we are collecting specimens, investigating prevalence, and establishing diagnostic methods to protect honey bee populations and their vital role in global food security.
.png)
