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Insects
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Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and...
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Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2025 | Viewed by 8110

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giovanni Formato

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Apiculture Laboratory, FAO Reference Centre for Apiculture–Health and Biosecurity, WOAH Collaborating Centre “Good Beekeeping Management Practices and Biosecurity Measures in the Apiculture Sector”, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
Interests: apiculture; bee pathology; beekeeping; best beekeeping practices; biosecurity measures in beekeeping; bee health; bee diseases pests and pathogens; bee experimentation and welfare; hive products
Dr. Franco Mutinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Reference Laboratory for Honey Bee Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
Interests: animal pathology; animal experimentation and welfare; honeybee diseases; disease control; environmental monitoring; regulations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The health, behavior, and physiology of honeybees and other pollinators are critical areas of research with profound implications for biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystem stability. As keystone species, pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, influencing both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Recent scientific advancements have highlighted the complex interplay of factors affecting pollinator health, including environmental stressors, pathogens, pesticides, and habitat loss. Understanding these dynamics is vital for developing strategies to mitigate their decline and ensure ecological and agricultural sustainability.

This Special Issue of Insects on “Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators ” aims to consolidate cutting-edge research in this pivotal field. Aligning with the journal’s focus on the biology, ecology, and management of insects, this Special Issue will explore innovative findings and foster interdisciplinary discourse and researchers are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that contribute to our understanding of pollinator health and behavior, the physiological responses to various environmental pressures, and the development of conservation strategies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the impact of pesticides and pathogens, the effects of climate change, habitat requirements, genetic diversity, current and innovative management practices, and bee welfare. We look forward to receiving contributions that will drive forward the scientific understanding of and conservation efforts for these indispensable insects.

Dr. Giovanni Formato
Dr. Franco Mutinelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pollinator health
  • honeybee behavior
  • pollinator physiology
  • environmental stressors
  • pesticide impact
  • pathogens and pollinators
  • habitat loss
  • climate change effects
  • conservation strategies
  • pollinator diversity
  • pollinator welfare

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 986 KiB  
Article
Impact of Atrazine on Sucrose Sensitivity in Honey Bees
by Xiexin Hu, Zixuan Xu, Jiachen Xu, Guiyi Ma, Yiren Pan, Minqi Cai, Zheguang Lin, Ting Ji and Kang Wang
Insects 2025, 16(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050491 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential pollinators, responsible for the pollination of over 80% of crops and flowering plants globally. However, there is concern that the extensive use of pesticides, particularly atrazine, can harm pollinators. Despite the widespread use of atrazine, [...] Read more.
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential pollinators, responsible for the pollination of over 80% of crops and flowering plants globally. However, there is concern that the extensive use of pesticides, particularly atrazine, can harm pollinators. Despite the widespread use of atrazine, the sublethal effects on honey bees remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of atrazine on honey bee sucrose sensitivity and clarified the underlying molecular mechanisms using transcriptomic analyses. Atrazine exposure reduced the sucrose sensitivity of honey bees substantially, likely through the inhibition of functional genes associated with cognition in the brain. Genes related to neurodegenerative diseases and behavior were differentially expressed in response to atrazine. These findings provide novel insights into the neurophysiological and behavioral effects of atrazine on honey bees, contributing to a better understanding of pesticide risks and informing future environmental regulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators)
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10 pages, 899 KiB  
Communication
A Novel Biosensor for the Early Detection of Aethina tumida via Kodamaea ohmeri in Honeybee Colonies
by Paola Ghisellini, Patrizia Garbati, Marco Pietropaoli, Antonella Cersini, Gabriele Pietrella, Cristina Rando, Luca Giacomelli, Stefano Ottoboni, Giovanni Formato and Roberto Eggenhöffner
Insects 2025, 16(4), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040363 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 371
Abstract
Aethina tumida, commonly known as the small hive beetle, poses a threat to honeybee populations, particularly Apis mellifera, across several European regions. Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a risk of the infestation spreading from Calabria, a region in the south [...] Read more.
Aethina tumida, commonly known as the small hive beetle, poses a threat to honeybee populations, particularly Apis mellifera, across several European regions. Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a risk of the infestation spreading from Calabria, a region in the south of Italy. The essential role played by Apis spp. in pollination biodiversity preservation, agricultural productivity, and the overall economy is related to the dangers posed by the invasion of Aethina tumida. Current detection methods often fail to identify infestations early, leading to significant colony losses. We focused on creating a biosensor to improve the detection of Kodamaea ohmeri, a recently identified yeast that coexists symbiotically with Aethina tumida. The biosensor was designed to exploit the highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance to identify a specific peptide linked to Kodamaea ohmeri in honey specimens. Its gold-plated surface over quartz was functionalized with an antibody effective in recognizing the peptide associated with Kodamaea ohmeri, a potential warning for detecting Aethina tumida. Preliminary results support the possibility of using such biosensor technology to detect infestation and enhance colony management techniques for honeybees, enabling beekeepers to implement prompt and focused treatments. In addition, reducing the size and cost of these biosensors and offering user training would be very helpful in having them used in beekeeping. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators)
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10 pages, 918 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Simple Antibiotic-Free Cryopreservation Protocol for Drone Semen
by Sophie Egyptien, Jérôme Ponthier, Fabien Ectors, Brice Thibaut and Stéfan Deleuze
Insects 2025, 16(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010050 - 7 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
The increasing reliance of modern agriculture on honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination has driven efforts to preserve and enhance bee populations. The cryopreservation of drone semen presents a promising solution for preserving genetic diversity and supporting breeding programs without live animal [...] Read more.
The increasing reliance of modern agriculture on honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination has driven efforts to preserve and enhance bee populations. The cryopreservation of drone semen presents a promising solution for preserving genetic diversity and supporting breeding programs without live animal transport risks. This study aimed to evaluate a one-step dilution antibiotic-free drone semen slow-freezing protocol under field conditions with in vitro and in vivo parameters. Semen viability was tested by two different mixes of dyes, and both techniques gave similar results, showing a post-thaw viability drop of 37%. Virgin queens were inseminated either with fresh or frozen–thawed semen. Survival rates until egg-laying onset and female brood production were similar for both groups; however, colonies with queens inseminated with fresh semen were more likely to go into wintering. Results suggest that frozen–thawed semen can support viable queen insemination, with potential for female brood production even without antibiotics in the diluent. This study highlights the need for further refinement of cryopreservation protocols, particularly regarding semen quality and queen longevity, to improve the feasibility of cryobanking for Apis mellifera conservation and breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators)
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Review

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12 pages, 1117 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Adverse Impacts of Old Combs on Honeybee Colonies and Recommended Beekeeping Management Strategies
by Qingxin Meng, Rong Huang, Shunhua Yang, Wutao Jiang, Yakai Tian and Kun Dong
Insects 2025, 16(4), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040351 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2622
Abstract
The honeybee comb serves as the primary site for all essential colony activities, and its structural and functional integrity plays a crucial role in colony development. As combs age through successive brood-rearing cycles, their physicochemical properties undergo significant changes, which can negatively affect [...] Read more.
The honeybee comb serves as the primary site for all essential colony activities, and its structural and functional integrity plays a crucial role in colony development. As combs age through successive brood-rearing cycles, their physicochemical properties undergo significant changes, which can negatively affect colony health and productivity. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the biological functions of combs, the aging process, and the negative impacts of old combs on cell structure, worker morphology, colony strength, and bee product quality. Additionally, it examines the adaptive strategies employed by honeybees and the recommended beekeeping management practices to mitigate these effects. Specifically, old combs undergo structural changes in cell dimensions and reduced spatial capacity, leading to the growth of smaller bees with diminished foraging and productivity. Furthermore, bee products, such as honey and beeswax, collected from old combs demonstrate compromised quality and higher levels of environmental contaminants. To counteract these challenges, colonies engage in hygienic behaviors, such as cell cleaning and comb rebuilding, while their enhanced immune and detoxification systems help mitigate comb-derived stressors. This review demonstrates that the systematic replacement of old brood combs is a critical management strategy to optimize bee health and ensure sustainable apiculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators)
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12 pages, 277 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Nutritional Requirements of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758)
by Leticia S. Ansaloni, Janja Kristl, Caio E. C. Domingues and Aleš Gregorc
Insects 2025, 16(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010097 - 18 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2414
Abstract
Honey bees are known for their wide global distribution, their ease of handling, and their economic and ecological value. However, they are often exposed to a wide variety of stress factors. Therefore, it is essential for beekeepers to maintain healthy bee colonies. In [...] Read more.
Honey bees are known for their wide global distribution, their ease of handling, and their economic and ecological value. However, they are often exposed to a wide variety of stress factors. Therefore, it is essential for beekeepers to maintain healthy bee colonies. In this context, a balanced diet is recommended to support the growth of strong and healthy honey bee colonies. The purpose of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the nutritional requirements of Apis mellifera and their importance for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies. An adequate diet includes the consumption of sufficient amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, water, and essential sterols, and a diet based on multi-floral pollen is desirable. However, when honey bee colonies are located near agroecosystems with lower resource diversity, both brood rearing and colony longevity may decrease, making them more susceptible to parasites and diseases. On the other hand, efforts have been made to improve the health of honey bee colonies with the help of nutritional supplements consisting of a variety of components. Nevertheless, studies have shown that even with these supplements, a lack of nutrients can still be an issue for honey bee colonies. Furthermore, future research should focus on identifying nutritional supplements that can better replicate natural diet diversity and assessing long-term effects on honey bee colony resilience, especially in low-flowering areas. This review discusses the interaction between nutrient requirements and the effects of supplements on colony health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Health, Behavior, and Physiology of Honeybees and Other Pollinators)
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