The Biology and Behavior of Bees

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Zoology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 1622

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Apiculture-Sericulture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Aristotle Farm, 57001 Thermi, Greece
Interests: royal jelly; honey bee; honey, bee products; honey bee behavior

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Every day, bees are confronted with various adverse conditions, changing their behavior or their biology. Bees face numerous adverse conditions daily, influenced by both natural factors and anthropogenic interventions, such as pesticide use. This Special Issue explores the intricate biology and diverse behaviors of bees, highlighting their ecological significance and the challenges they face in a changing environment, including wild species of bees. Key topics include the anatomy and physiology of various bee species, their foraging strategies, communication methods, social structures within colonies, subjects related to their natural enemies, and the practices that are applied to restrict or mitigate their effect on the colony’s functions. Research articles delve into the impact of environmental stressors, such as pesticides and habitat loss, on bee health and behavior. Additionally, this Special Issue addresses conservation efforts and the importance of pollinators in maintaining biodiversity and food security. Through interdisciplinary approaches, this collection aims to enhance our understanding of bee biology and inform strategies for their preservation, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems reliant on these vital pollinators.

Dr. Dimitrios Kanelis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pollinators
  • bee anatomy
  • bee foraging behavior
  • bee communication
  • bee social structure
  • environmental stressors of bees
  • effect of pesticide on bees’ behavior
  • bees’ habitat loss
  • natural enemies of bees
  • bees’ disease management

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 1562 KiB  
Article
Investigating Aerobic Hive Microflora: Role of Surface Microbiome of Apis Mellifera
by Grigory Kashchenko, Amir Taldaev, Leonid Adonin and Daniil Smutin
Biology 2025, 14(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14010088 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1123
Abstract
This study investigated the surface microbiome of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), focusing on the diversity and functional roles of its associated microbial communities. While the significance of the microbiome to insect health and behavior is increasingly recognized, research on invertebrate surface [...] Read more.
This study investigated the surface microbiome of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), focusing on the diversity and functional roles of its associated microbial communities. While the significance of the microbiome to insect health and behavior is increasingly recognized, research on invertebrate surface microbiota lags behind that of vertebrates. A combined metagenomic and cultivation-based approach was employed to characterize the bacterial communities inhabiting the honeybee exoskeleton. Our findings reveal a complex and diverse microbiota exhibiting significant spatial and environmental heterogeneity. The identification of antimicrobial compound producers, validated through both culture and metagenomic analyses, including potentially novel Actinobacteria species, underscores the potential impact of these microbial communities on honeybee health, behavior, and hive dynamics. This research contributes to a more profound ecological understanding of the honeybee microbiome, particularly in its winter configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biology and Behavior of Bees)
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