Investigating the morphological adaptations and fungal associations of the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) (SHB) acts as a facultative hive pest of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Drawn to honey bee hives by volatiles from the yeast Kodamaea ohmeri (Ascomycota: Saccharomycotina), the beetles must avoid injury from the stings of aggressive guard bees while successfully taking advantage of the hive resources. This study is aimed towards improving our understanding of SHB morphology and associated fungal communities to gain a better understanding of how these beetles protect themselves, exploit honey bee food stores, and maintain their associated fungal communities. This study found no significant differences in tarsal setae characteristics between the sexes, isolated K. ohmeri and other notable yeasts from multiple sites on the exoskeleton, and identified features of the alimentary tract that may contribute to water retention and production of a protective midgut lining. These results elaborate on the methods by which the SHB-honey bee association is maintained and should be examined further for a more complete understanding of this apicultural pest.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Entomology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Montag, William Maurice

Contributors dc:contributor

• Berenbaum, May R
• Nardi, James B
• Miller, Andrew
• Hanks, Lawrence M

• Aethina tumida, Kodamaea ohmeri, gut morphology, tarsal setae

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 William Montag

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108632

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108632