A global review of the pests and diseases of stingless bees

Managed pollinators are essential to agricultural productivity, but there are concerns that overreliance on western honey bees (Apis mellifera) places this productivity at risk. Stingless bees (Apidae; tribe Meliponini) can supplement or replace honey bees as pollinators in some warm climate crops, but information is limited regarding the pests and diseases that they face. This paper reviews the existing research literature on the subject. We found 48 studies on arthropod pests and 28 on microbial diseases of stingless bees. There has been a relatively high research interest in mites (Acari) and small hive beetles (Aethina tumida); however, neither of these organisms are major pests of stingless bees. This high research interest likely results from their impact on honey bees and their novelty as newly arrived invasive species in many regions. Cleptoparasitic bees have also been highly researched. The most widely researched diseases were viruses. However, while many widespread honey bee viruses have been found in stingless bees, few studies examined whether these produced symptoms in stingless bees. For many suspected pests and pathogens, there is uncertainty regarding whether their relationship with hive collapse is causal or merely correlative. We conclude that pests and diseases of stingless bees are very under-researched compared to those of honey bees. This knowledge gap will need to be addressed if stingless bees are to serve an expanded role as managed agricultural pollinators.