Apidologie (2013) 44, 11-20

Ayuka T. Fombong, Fiona N. Mumoki, Elliud Muli, Daniel K. Masiga, Richard T. Arbogast, Peter E.A. Teal and Baldwyn Torto (2013)
Occurrence, diversity and pattern of damage of Oplostomus species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), honey bee pests in Kenya
Apidologie 44 (1), 11-20
Abstract: Several arthropod pests including the hive beetles Aethina tumida and Oplostomus haroldi and the ectoparasite Varroa destructor have recently been identified as associated with honey bee colonies in Kenya. Here, we report the first documentation of Oplostomus fuligineus in Kenya, a related scarab of O. haroldi, and distribution, diversity and pattern of damage of the two scarab species on honey bee colonies. Sequence analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene revealed that there was sufficient sequence divergence to separate both Oplostomus beetles. The same molecular marker separated O. haroldi according to place of origin in Kenya. We further show from analysis of feeding behavioural patterns that the two scarab species damaged honey bee combs similarly causing the most damage on brood through feeding; O. haroldi (80%), with O. fuligineus (100%). We discuss our results in relation to the threats these scarabs may pose to bee health in Kenya.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Baldwyn Torto, Richard T. Arbogast

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
identification/taxonomy

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Oplostomus haroldi		Kenya
	Oplostomus fuligineus		Kenya