D. J. Hawthorne

Oversharing by honey bees and the spread of viruses

This study investigates how DWV spreads among honey bees through social behaviors and vector interactions, showing host-to-host and host-to-vector transmission can sustain the pathogen in a population.

Promiscuous feeding across multiple honey bee hosts amplifies the vectorial capacity of Varroa destructor

This study shows Varroa destructor spreads viruses by switching hosts during feeding, increasing its vectorial capacity through promiscuous behavior.

Culture and genomic analysis of Arsenophonus apicola sp. nov. isolated from the honeybee Apis mellifera

The paper isolates and characterizes a new Arsenophonus species from honeybees, describes its genome, and proposes a new species name.

Pupal cannibalism by worker honey bees contributes to the spread of Deformed wing virus.

The paper shows that worker honey bees cannibalizing DWV-infected pupae transmit the virus to other bees through trophallaxis, spreading DWV without Varroa mites.

Elevated rates of positive selection drive the evolution of pestiferousness in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Say)

This study identifies genes under positive selection in the Colorado potato beetle linked to pestiferous traits like detoxification and chemosensation.

Regional differences in gene regulation may underlie patterns of sensitivity to novel insecticides in Colorado potato beetle

The paper examines regional differences in Colorado potato beetle sensitivity to novel insecticides and finds higher baseline sensitivity in Western USA populations compared to Eastern USA populations.

Origin of pest lineages of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

This study investigates the origin of pest lineages of the Colorado potato beetle by analyzing genetic diversity across populations in Mexico and the U.S., finding that pest lineages originated from native U.S. populations rather than Mexican ones.