Spatial distribution of recapping behaviour indicates clustering around Varroa infested cells

Varroa destructor is arguably the most important threat to Apis mellifera honey bees. Despite recentness of invasion Varroa, A. colonies naturally resistant mite are being observed in a growing number populations across Europe, South Africa and Brazil. Appearing concert with this resistance an increase ability workers detect mite-infested cells, which closely associated recapping such cells. However, many non-infested cells also uncapped then recapped would appear be waste time energy. In study we looked at spatial patterns its association infestation understand what way uncapping occurs. We found that occurred clusters consisting infested their surrounding This helped explain our finding significant positive correlation existed between levels Furthermore, bees responded artificial level by increasing behavior. confirmed area was significantly smaller, relative holes made Given these findings propose behavior stimulated either diffuse signal emanating from cell or cursory checks conducted vicinity cell.