
Beekeepers to watch hives for Purple Dwarf honey bee in Australia
The Division of Main Industries and Regional Growth is responding to a detection of Purple Dwarf honey bee within the Perth suburb of Forrestfield, calling on the State’s beekeepers to examine their hives for the pest.
Evaluating Measurement between European Honey Bee and Purple Dwarf Honey Bee
The Division of Main Industries and Regional Growth is responding to a detection of Purple Dwarf honey bee within the Perth suburb of Forrestfield, calling on the State’s beekeepers to examine their hives for the pest.
A single swarm of the unique bees was discovered on a lately imported sea container transferred to Forrestfield. The swarm was rapidly contained and destroyed.
Beekeepers with hives alongside the rail transport route between Fremantle and Forrestfield have been requested to examine hives usually and report something uncommon to the division’s Pest and Illness Info Service (PaDIS).
Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Sonya Broughton mentioned Purple dwarf honey bee was native to Asia, and was a vector of bee illnesses, parasites and viruses.
Dr Broughton mentioned a single Euvarroa mite was confirmed on one of many detected bees, however this could not trigger alarm. The mite reproduces on the drone brood of Purple Dwarf honey bees and isn’t recognized to naturally parasitize our European honey bee.
The Purple Dwarf honey bee is a threat to European honey bee and native bees because it competes for floral assets.
“This detection was in a short time contained, and we proceed to conduct further surveillance to guard our bee and horticulture trade,” Dr Broughton mentioned.
“DPIRD surveillance actions haven’t detected any additional unique bees aside from the unique single unique bee swarm.”
Purple Dwarf honey bees are social bees that reside in colonies of roughly 3,000 bugs and swarm readily.
Dr Broughton mentioned the bee was distinguished by its small dimension compared to European honey bees.
“This unique bee is simply 7-10 millimeters in size and constructs small hives, normally lower than 25 centimeters extensive, consisting of a single comb,” she mentioned.
“The Purple Dwarf honey bee has a crimson/brown stomach with black and white bands.
“It can be crucial unique bee and bee pests are reported rapidly to supply the most effective alternative to guard Western Australia’s useful bee and horticultural industries.”
Uncommon bee or hive observations needs to be reported instantly to PaDIS utilizing the division’s MyPestGuide Reporter app, telephoning (08) 9368 3080 or electronic mail padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Beekeepers to watch hives for Purple dwarf honey bee (www.wa.gov.au)
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