Tim Heard is an entomologist studying bees for over thirty five years. He explains the difference between the native Australian stingless bee and the European honeybee.

Tim discusses the history of the varroa mite and how it has migrated from its ancestral host, the Asian honeybee. While the varroa mite may not directly infest native Australian stingless bees, the mites bring an increased risk from viruses to the approximately 1650 species of native bees in Australia. This can affect the balance of pollination for agriculture between feral honey bees, commercial bee hives, and natural Australian bee colonies.

For more information

Sugarbag Bees

https://sugarbag.net/

The Australian Native Bee Association

https://australiannativebee.org.au/

Native Bee Citizen Science Project

https://biological-sciences.uq.edu.au/engagement/native-bee-citizen-science-project

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