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Widespread occurrence of honey bee pathogens in solitary bees

2014; Elsevier BV; Volume: 122; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jip.2014.08.007

1096-0805

Jorgen Ravoet, Lina De Smet, Ivan Meeus, Guy Smagghe, Tom Wenseleers, Dirk C. de Graaf,

Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

Solitary bees and honey bees from a neighbouring apiary were screened for a broad set of putative pathogens including protists, fungi, spiroplasmas and viruses. Most sampled bees appeared to be infected with multiple parasites. Interestingly, viruses exclusively known from honey bees such as Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus and Varroa destructor Macula-like Virus were also discovered in solitary bees. A microsporidium found in Andrena vaga showed most resemblance to Nosema thomsoni. Our results suggest that bee hives represent a putative source of pathogens for other pollinators. Similarly, solitary bees may act as a reservoir of honey bee pathogens.