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Predation pressure dynamics study of the recently introduced honeybee killer Vespa velutina: learning from the enemy

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Abstract

Following the recent introduction of Vespa velutina into France, an increase in predation on domestic honeybees, Apis mellifera, has resulted from the dispersion of this hornet across the country. We aimed at providing its predation pressure dynamics at bee hives in two sites by using food traps that could be used as a comparison in future years. The number of trapped and chasing hornets in each apiary was correlated. Predation lasted 5 months on our two sites; 916 and 1,894 hornets were trapped on each site, respectively. Predation at bee hives was found to be affected by wind speed and by the seasonal effect of temperature and humidity. We also show that V. velutina queens and males were present during unusual periods in our traps, which may be significant to understanding their life cycle. These results are discussed with reference to the biology of other Vespine species. This study represents the first monitoring of V. velutina predation pressure dynamics in France. It constitutes an initial database for pest management and suggests ways of protecting bee hives.

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Acknowledgements

This research project was funded by France Agrimer # 797/2007–2010. This work benefited from the technical contribution of E. Segura. We are grateful to Mr. J. Martrenchar for allowing us to work in his apiary. We also thank Dr. J. Moreau for his helpful comments on our manuscript and Dr. S. Hayes for proofreading our English.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRA, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, 33883, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    Karine Monceau, Nevile Maher, Olivier Bonnard & Denis Thiéry

  2. Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 33883, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    Karine Monceau, Nevile Maher, Olivier Bonnard & Denis Thiéry

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  1. Karine Monceau
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  2. Nevile Maher
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  3. Olivier Bonnard
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  4. Denis Thiéry
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Correspondence to Denis Thiéry.

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Manuscript editor: Peter Rosenkranz

Dynamique de la pression de prédation de Vespa velutina , prédateur d’abeilles récemment introduit: apprendre de l’ennemi.

Apis mellifera / espèce invasive / gestion des ravageurs / Vespidae / frelon asiatique à pattes jaunes / France

Eine Studie zur Dynamik des Prädationsdrucks durch den kürzlich eingeführten Honigbienenjäger Vespa velutina : Vom Feind lernen.

Apis mellifera / invasive Arten / Schädlings-Management / Vespidae/Hornisse

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Monceau, K., Maher, N., Bonnard, O. et al. Predation pressure dynamics study of the recently introduced honeybee killer Vespa velutina: learning from the enemy. Apidologie 44, 209–221 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-012-0172-7

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