A novel method in small hive beetle rearing

Abstract

Research to investigate the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, and its effects on the honey bee requires a consistent supply of healthy beetles. This protocol describes an effective rearing method for the small hive beetle using commercially available pollen patties and equipment that can easily be constructed from local sources. In this protocol, a method is described that allows for many thousands of healthy beetles to be reared weekly in a confined space. This knowledge is a crucial step for the advancement of research studies and the development of management protocols for the small hive beetle.

Keywords:

• Aethina tumida
• Apis mellifera
• insect laboratory rearing
• pollen patties

Acknowledgments

I thank Bryan Smith (USDA-ARS-CMAVE) for his technical support. I thank Dr. Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman (Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology) and Dr. Robert Meagher (USDA-ARS-CMAVE) for their critical review of this manuscript. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Agriculture Research Service of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.