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Bees

Viral Infections Disrupt Social Structure in Honey Bee Colonies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted by scientists from the University of British Columbia has revealed the impact of viral infections on the reproductive and social dynamics of honey bee colonies. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that severe virus infections in queen honey bees can trigger a socially coordinated replacement of the queen, known as supersedure, which is essential when her reproductive competence is compromised. This research has significant implications for the stability of insect societies and the potential consequences of climate change and disease on these vital pollinators.

Key Takeaways:

  • Severe virus infections in queen honey bees can trigger a socially coordinated replacement of the queen, known as supersedure, which is essential when her reproductive competence is compromised.
  • Laboratory infection experiments revealed that queens challenged with deformed wing virus B and black queen cell virus infections demonstrated a reduction in methyl oleate, a key component of the queen retinue pheromone.
  • Lipidomics analysis demonstrated that infection coincides with a systemic lipid deficiency, especially in triacylglycerides (major energy reserves), providing a physiological link among viral stress, ovarian atrophy, and altered pheromone output.
  • Artificial suppression of ovary investment via restricted laying also caused methyl oleate production to decline; therefore, high virus infection likely indirectly suppresses methyl oleate production by reducing ovary mass.
  • Field trials showed that synthetic pheromone blends containing methyl oleate significantly suppressed queen cell rearing compared to no-pheromone controls, whereas blends lacking this compound yielded an intermediate effect.
  • These results demonstrate that virus-induced reproductive decline disrupts pheromone signaling, revealing a plausible mechanistic pathway by which pathogens can erode social cohesion.
  • The study was funded by Results-Driven Agricultural Research, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Genome British Columbia, BC Knowledge Development Fund, and UBC Life Sciences Institute.
  • Additional authors of the research include Alison McAfee, Armando Alcazar Magana, Katie E. Marshall, Shelley E. Hoover, David R. Tarpy, and Leonard J. Foster.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Statistics:

  • 122(42): the issue number and volume of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences where the research was published.
  • 42: the issue number where the research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  • 2101 Constitution Ave NW: the address of the National Academy of Sciences, the publisher of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings from University of British Columbia in the Area of Science Described (Elevated virus infection of honey bee queens reduces methyl oleate production and destabilizes colony-level social structure). Science Letter. October 31, 2025; p 1047.
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Elevated virus infection of honey bee queens reduces methyl oleate production and destabilizes colony-level social structure. 2025;122(42).
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Natl Acad Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418, USA.

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