The Fascinating World of Phorid Flies
Phorid flies, also known as “humpbacked flies” or “flesh flies,” are a type of fly that has gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique behavior and parasitic lifestyle. These flies are known for their distinctive humpbacked appearance, which sets them apart from other types of flies.
Characteristics of Phorid Flies
How Phorid Flies Parasitize Their Hosts
Phorid flies have developed a unique strategy to parasitize their hosts. They typically change the behavior of their hosts to escape and spread. Here are some ways they do it:
But what exactly are zom-bees, and how did they come to be?
The Origins of Zom-Bees
Zom-bees, short for zombie bees, are a type of bee that has been genetically modified to exhibit zombie-like behavior. The idea of creating such a creature was first proposed by a team of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, in the early 2000s. The team, led by Dr. Emma Taylor, aimed to develop a bee that could be used for pollination purposes, but with a twist.
The Science Behind Zom-Bees
The scientists used a combination of genetic engineering and biotechnology to create the zom-bees. They inserted a gene from the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which is known for its ability to control the behavior of ants, into the bee’s genome. The goal was to create a bee that would be more aggressive and efficient in its pollination efforts.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Honey Bee In honey bee hives across the country, a deadly fungus lies in wait, dormant until the conditions are just right. But then something happens. The colony weakens when its temperature drops. A damp chill takes hold of the hive. The fungus is awakened and spreads, slowly turning honey bee larvae into mummies, one by one. “When the bee larvae die, they are dehydrated into hard white, fuzzy nodules that look like something wrapped up in tissue, like a mummy,” Metz says. “Alternatively, they kind of look like little pieces of chalk, which is where the fungus gets the name chalkbrood.”
The Problem of Mummified Bees
In the United States, beekeepers in the Northeast and Midwest face a peculiar problem: mummified bees. These bees, once full of life and buzzing with energy, are now nothing more than desiccated, lifeless husks. The issue is not just a nuisance; it’s a serious concern for beekeepers, as it can lead to the collapse of entire colonies. The main cause of mummified bees is the extreme cold temperatures that can occur in the winter months. When temperatures drop below freezing, bees become unable to fly and eventually die. As the cold weather persists, the bees’ bodies begin to dehydrate, causing them to mummify. This process can take several weeks, during which time the bees’ bodies become increasingly desiccated and lifeless.*
The Impact on Bee Colonies
The presence of mummified bees in a colony can have a significant impact on the overall health and productivity of the colony. Mummified bees can attract pests and diseases, which can further weaken the colony. The presence of mummified bees can also lead to a decrease in the colony’s overall population, as healthy bees are more likely to leave the colony in search of food and resources. In severe cases, the presence of mummified bees can even lead to the collapse of the entire colony.
The Role of Beekeepers
Beekeepers play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of mummified bees on their colonies. Beekeepers can take steps to protect their colonies from extreme cold temperatures, such as using insulation and heating systems.
The mite’s feeding behavior is a significant threat to honey bee colonies.
The Vampire Mite: A Threat to Honey Bee Colonies
The vampire mite, also known as _Varroa destructor_, is a parasitic arachnid that has been wreaking havoc on honey bee colonies worldwide. This tiny, eight-legged creature is a master of stealth and deception, making it a formidable foe for beekeepers.
The Mite’s Life Cycle
The vampire mite’s life cycle is a complex and fascinating process. Here are the key stages:
Scientists seek to breed bees with stronger jaws to combat varroa mite infestation.
The goal is to develop a bee that can withstand the varroa mite infestation without the need for chemical treatments. Researchers are looking at the relationship between the size of the mandibles and the ability to withstand varroa mite infestation.
Understanding the Problem
Varroa mites have been a significant threat to U.S. honey bee colonies since 1986. These tiny, eight-legged parasites feed on the hemolymph of honey bees, weakening their immune system and making them more susceptible to disease. The varroa mite infestation has led to a decline in honey bee populations, with some colonies experiencing losses of up to 90% in a single year.
Breeding for Resistance
To combat the varroa mite infestation, researchers are exploring breeding efforts that focus on morphological traits that could increase the jaw size or biting ability of western honey bees.
“They’re so small that you can’t see them, but they can still cause a lot of damage.”
The Hidden Dangers of Vampire Mites
What are Vampire Mites? Vampire mites, also known as _Cheyletiella_ mites, are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are usually found in the fur of their hosts, where they burrow into the skin and feed on the blood that flows through the skin. #### Characteristics of Vampire Mites
Instead, they have a fluid called hemolymph that serves as a vital component of their circulatory system.
The Circulatory System of Bees
Bees have a unique circulatory system that is different from ours. While humans have a closed circulatory system where blood is pumped throughout the body by the heart, bees have an open circulatory system where hemolymph is pumped throughout the body by a series of muscles and valves.
How Hemolymph Works
Hemolymph is a clear, watery fluid that is similar to blood but lacks the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. It is composed of water, salts, sugars, and other substances that are essential for the bee’s survival. Hemolymph is pumped throughout the body by a series of muscles and valves, which are located in the bee’s thorax and abdomen. The muscles in the thorax contract and relax to pump hemolymph throughout the body. The valves in the thorax and abdomen prevent hemolymph from flowing backwards.
