Current status of small hive beetle infestation in the Philippines

Abstract

In June 2014, the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray was first detected in Asia specifically in Lupon, Davao Oriental, Philippines infesting Apis mellifera colonies. It is not known how the beetles were introduced into the country. However, queen shipment from other countries is thought to be the likely route. Between June 2014 and November 2014, several beekeepers had lost all of their A. mellifera colonies (687) from SHB infestations in Davao Oriental. Monitoring of the remaining apiary sites was conducted from 26 November 2014 to 22 December 2015 in Davao (Lupon, Tagum, Panabo) (34 colonies), General Santos (6 colonies), Bukidnon (500 colonies), and Cagayan de Oro (26 colonies). All the apiary sites except Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro were positive for SHB. Infested colonies were managed using modified beetle blaster traps, physical removal of adult beetles, and apiary and hive hygiene practices.

When SHB-free colonies of Apis cerana and stingless bee (Tetragonula biroi) were transferred to SHB-infested apiary, the A. cerana colonies were invaded immediately a day after and absconded after a week. Stingless bee colonies were not at all infested by SHB and remained strong. All the apiary sites in Visayas (312 colonies) and Luzon (989 colonies) were SHB free. Further studies on the biology and host range of SHB in Asia are deemed necessary to contain their spread and preserve the diversity of native bees in the region.

Keywords:

• small hive beetle
• Aethina tumida
• Asian bees
• diversity
• Philippines

Acknowledgments

We thank E Loyola Jr, Alejandro Fajardo Jr and L Colting for their technical help, and K Olley for the SHB traps.