First Record of Small Hive Beetle (SHB) in India

The Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida), a non-native insect, has been recorded for the first time in India, specifically in West Bengal. This marks a new environmental challenge for the country, as the beetle is known for its destructive impact on beehives.

About the Small Hive Beetle (SHB)

1. Native Habitat: The Small Hive Beetle is originally from Sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes minimal damage. However, it has proven to be much more harmful in other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia.
2. Physical Characteristics: The SHB is an oval-shaped, reddish-brown beetle that measures about 5-7 mm in length. Its life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Impact on Beekeeping

1. The damage caused by the Small Hive Beetle is significant. Female beetles invade beehives by squeezing through cracks and crevices.
2. Once inside, they lay their eggs, which hatch into larvae that feed on the stored honey, pollen, and even honeybee eggs.
3. The larvae also defecate inside the honeycomb, rendering the honey unfit for human consumption.
4. This behavior not only destroys the honey but can also severely weaken the hive, leading to reduced productivity or even colony collapse.

The recent discovery of SHB in India calls for increased vigilance in beekeeping areas, as it poses a threat to honey production and the health of bee colonies across the country