Deformed wings of small hive beetle independent of virus infections and mites

J Invertebr Pathol. 2020 May:172:107365. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107365. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

Abstract

Insect wing deformities can be caused by viruses, mites and other environmental stressors during development. Here we conducted differential diagnostics of deformed wings in small hive beetles, Aethina tumida (SHB). Adult SHB with and without deformed wings from individual and mass reared scenarios were evaluated for the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae and for deformed wing virus. Viral load and mite number were similar for SHB with deformed wings and unaffected beetles. Because deformed wings were only observed in individually pupating SHB, a humidity challenge most likely explains the observed clinical symptoms. Our observations support the importance of differential diagnostics.

Keywords: Aethina tumida; Beetle; Deformed wing virus; Mite; Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acaridae / physiology*
  • Alabama
  • Animals
  • Coleoptera / anatomy & histology*
  • Coleoptera / growth & development
  • Coleoptera / parasitology
  • Coleoptera / virology
  • RNA Viruses / physiology*
  • Wings, Animal / anatomy & histology
  • Wings, Animal / growth & development*

Supplementary concepts

  • Deformed wing virus