An improved DNA method to unambiguously detect small hive beetle

Aethina tumida (Little Hive Beetle) is a non-native pest species of bee colonies, stemming from Africa first observed in the US, Australia, then later in Portugal and since 2014 also in Italy. Beekeepers are concerned. The brown, <10mm long beetle infests stocks of honey bees and bumblebees, where it feeds on honey, pollen and bee brood. They weaken stocks, the honey can begin to ferment and the honeycombs break down. Based also on DNA barcodes from GBOL, the authors of the study have developed a new molecular tool that enables a faster and more reliable determination of the not easily identifiable beetles, as well as their larvae and eggs.