Endowed Professor of Entomology University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
Our world is heavily dependent on honey bees, and their decline significantly threatens global food security. As a member of the Boulder Bee Lab, I am working across Asia to address this crisis by investigating the predators and parasites that pose a risk to honey bee populations worldwide. Asia, the only continent home to every honey bee species, provides a unique opportunity to study hive symbionts. Among these, Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae (Tropi) mites and hornets (Vespa) are particularly significant due to their tendencies to rapidly invade and colonize new regions of the globe. Through visits to apiaries and exploration of forest habitats, we collect samples from managed and wild bee colonies, specifically focusing on these threats. We then use these samples for detailed genomic and morphometric analyses, with the aim of revealing patterns of genetic diversity, population structures, and morphological characteristics. One of our primary goals is to develop an open-source compendium of hive symbiont knowledge, a resource of immense value to beekeepers and scientists worldwide. This compendium will facilitate global collaboration and enhance efforts to protect honey bees. Furthermore, our fieldwork allows us to gather extensive cultural knowledge about Asian beekeeping practices. Understanding these cultural perspectives is crucial in identifying factors vital to the survival of honey bees, hornets, and beekeepers worldwide. By integrating scientific insights with cultural knowledge, we aim to support the resilience of honey bee populations and foster sustainable beekeeping practices worldwide.