Zachary S. Lamas

During early-2025 US honey bee collapses (>60% losses), dying bees carried high loads of infectious DWV-A, DWV-B, and ABPV, and 100% of screened Varroa mites carried the amitraz-resistance allele.

Industry surveys covering over half of U.S. managed colonies found widespread 2024-2025 honey bee losses, worst in commercial operations, and no excess loss with amitraz use.

The paper shows that inhibiting ABCB1 transporters increases amitraz toxicity in resistant Varroa mites, suggesting potential for developing synergists to enhance miticide efficacy.

This paper introduces a new laboratory system to reliably rear honey bee queens and their offspring, bridging field research and lab trials while maintaining colony-like characteristics.