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In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
06:41

Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

Published on: August 26, 2020

Coevolution stabilizes the honey bee-Varroa destructor-virus system on islands.

Laura E Brettell1, Clarissa P Ferreira2, Ethel M Villalobos3

  • 1School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK.

Trends in Parasitology
|May 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Honey bees in Hawaii evolved resistance to the Varroa destructor mite by removing infested brood. This coevolution created a stable bee-mite-virus system, offering a potential global solution for Varroa destructor.

Keywords:
Varroa destructor resistancehygienic behaviorrecappingrecombinationvector

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Last Updated: May 8, 2026

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06:41

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Published on: August 26, 2020

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
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In Vitro Rearing of Solitary Bees: A Tool for Assessing Larval Risk Factors
08:50

In Vitro Rearing of Solitary Bees: A Tool for Assessing Larval Risk Factors

Published on: July 16, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Apiculture

Background:

  • The Varroa destructor mite and its vectored Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) have caused significant global losses in Apis mellifera honey bee colonies for over six decades.
  • A 17-year study tracked the coevolution of the bee-mite-virus system in Hawaii.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term coevolutionary dynamics between honey bees, Varroa destructor mites, and Deformed Wing Virus in Hawaii.
  • To assess the development of mite resistance in Hawaiian honey bee populations.
  • To understand the impact of coevolution on virus prevalence and virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal monitoring of honey bee colonies on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii over 17 years.
  • Observational studies on honey bee behavior, specifically mite detection and brood removal.
  • Analysis of Deformed Wing Virus prevalence and genetic sequencing to identify recombinant strains.

Main Results:

  • Honey bees on Oahu evolved resistance to Varroa destructor by effectively detecting and removing mite-infested brood cells.
  • While DWV prevalence decreased on both islands, a more virulent recombinant DWV strain emerged.
  • Miticides remain in widespread use on the Big Island, contrasting with the evolved resistance observed on Oahu.

Conclusions:

  • Coevolution on Oahu has established a new, stable 'bee-mite-virus' state, demonstrating a natural mechanism for managing Varroa destructor.
  • This evolved resistance in Hawaiian honey bees offers a promising, sustainable, and potentially global solution to the Varroa destructor problem.
  • Beekeepers have successfully leveraged this evolved resistance, highlighting the practical applications of understanding host-parasite coevolution.