The status of resistance and evolving dynamics in bees and mite parasites

The health and survival of honey bee colonies are critically threatened by parasitic mites, particularly Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps spp. These mites not only weaken bees directly but also vector lethal viruses. Over time, both mites and bees have developed various resistance mechanisms: mites have evolved resistance to acaricides, while some honey bee populations exhibit behavioral or physiological traits that reduce mite loads. The dynamic interplay between host and parasite resistance mechanisms is complex and influenced by both evolutionary pressures and management practices. Understanding these dynamics is essential for sustainable apiculture and pollinator conservation.

This Research Topic aims to explore the current status and future directions of resistance in both honey bees and their parasitic mites. A central problem is the widespread development of acaricide resistance in mite populations, which compromises the effectiveness of chemical control strategies. Concurrently, there is a growing interest in promoting or selecting for naturally mite-resistant honey bee stocks. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors underpinning these resistance traits. By consolidating recent research and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, this collection seeks to illuminate the co-evolutionary arms race between bees and mites, identify markers and mechanisms of resistance, and support the development of sustainable management strategies.

We welcome submissions that investigate resistance mechanisms in honey bees and mite parasites from diverse angles, including molecular biology, genetics, behavior, ecology, and applied management. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Acaricide resistance mechanisms and monitoring in mites; Behavioral and physiological resistance traits in honey bees; Genetic and breeding approaches to enhance bee resistance; Host-parasite co-evolution and adaptive dynamics; Integrated pest management and sustainable control strategies. Interdisciplinary and field-based studies are especially encouraged, as are comparative analyses across mite species or bee populations.