Small Hive Beetle Identified in India

The small hive beetle, scientifically known as Aethina tumida, has been identified in India for the first time. This invasive beetle poses risk to the honeybee industry, particularly affecting European honeybees (Apis mellifera). The detection occurred in an apiary located in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The discovery was made by Jhikmik Sengupta from the Zoological Survey of India. The findings were published in the Journal of Environment and Sociobiology.

Small Hive Beetle

The small hive beetle is oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and measures between 5 to 7 mm in length. Originally described in sub-Saharan Africa in 1867, it has since spread globally, causing damage to beekeeping operations. In Asia, it has been reported in the Philippines, South Korea, and China within the last decade.

Impact on Beekeeping

The small hive beetle poses a severe threat to the apiary industry. Females enter beehives through small openings to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae consume stored pollen, honey, and even honeybee eggs. Their waste contaminates the honey, rendering it unpalatable and unsuitable for human consumption. This situation negatively impacts beekeepers and related industries.

Threat to Ecosystems

Beyond affecting European honeybees, the small hive beetle can invade colonies of Asian honeybees (Apis cerana), stingless bees, and bumblebees. The World Organisation for Animal Health has classified infestations as ‘disease notifiable’ due to their detrimental effects. The proliferation of invasive species like the small hive beetle contributes to biodiversity loss and threatens native species.

Factors Contributing to Invasions

Several factors have led to the rise of biological invasions globally. Increased human movement, growing populations, and interconnected ecosystems facilitate the spread of invasive species. These species often dominate local resources, leading to the decline of native species and disrupting crucial ecological interactions.

Urgent Measures Required

Experts from the Zoological Survey of India stress the need for immediate action to prevent the small hive beetle from spreading. If left unchecked, it may become unmanageable and cause irreversible damage to the honeybee population and the broader ecosystem.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem health.
2. What are the characteristics of the small hive beetle? Explain its life cycle and feeding habits.
3. Comment on the role of international organisations in managing biological invasions. Provide suitable examples.
4. Explain the significance of honeybees in agriculture and the economy. How would their decline affect food security?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

1. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to population declines or extinctions.
2. They often disrupt food webs and ecological interactions, resulting in ecosystem imbalances.
3. Invasive species can introduce diseases to which native species have no immunity, exacerbating biodiversity loss.
4. They may alter habitat structures, making environments less hospitable for native flora and fauna.
5. Efforts to manage invasives can be costly and resource-intensive, impacting conservation budgets.

2. What are the characteristics of the small hive beetle? Explain its life cycle and feeding habits.

1. The small hive beetle is oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and measures 5-7 mm in length.
2. It was first identified in sub-Saharan Africa in 1867 and has spread globally, including Asia.
3. Females lay eggs in beehives through cracks, and the larvae feed on honey, pollen, and bee eggs.
4. Larvae defecate in the honeycomb, contaminating honey and rendering it unfit for consumption.
5. The lifecycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with rapid reproduction contributing to infestations.

3. Comment on the role of international organisations in managing biological invasions. Provide suitable examples.

1. International organisations, like the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), set guidelines for reporting and managing invasive species.
2. They facilitate collaboration among countries to share research, strategies, and resources for controlling invasives.
3. Examples include the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes sustainable practices to mitigate invasions.
4. OIE classifies certain invasive species as ‘disease notifiable’, emphasizing the need for global awareness and action.
5. International partnerships can enhance monitoring efforts and improve biosecurity measures globally.

4. Explain the significance of honeybees in agriculture and the economy. How would their decline affect food security?

1. Honeybees are crucial pollinators for many crops, contributing to agricultural productivity.
2. Their pollination services enhance the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, vital for food supply.
3. Honeybee decline could lead to reduced crop yields, increased food prices, and economic losses for farmers.
4. Food security would be threatened as many staple crops depend on bee pollination for optimal growth.
5. Declining honeybee populations could necessitate increased reliance on artificial pollination, raising costs and environmental concerns.