Varroa destructor weakens the external immunity of western honey bees by impairing melittin production.

ABSTRACT: Social insects employ venom as an external immune defence against pathogens and parasites. Like other Hymenopterans, the venom gland of honey bee (Apis mellifera) serves as a reservoir of antimicrobial substances, primarily melittin. This study investigated the presence and origin of venom on honey bee body that could act as an external immune defence in honey bee workers infested by the ectoparasite mite, Varroa destructor. Using a multi-step approach, we first confirmed the presence of venom on bees' bodies using melittin as a marker. We then examined how grooming could facilitate the distribution of venom on the bee's body through behavioural observations. Further assays were used to compare melittin levels on the bodies of Varroa-free and Varroa-infested workers and assess the effects

SUBMITTER: Pusceddu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12368138 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature