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Outputs (62)

Varroa resistance in Apis cerana: a review (2023)
Journal Article
Grindrod, I., & Martin, S. (2023). Varroa resistance in Apis cerana: a review. Apidologie, 54, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-022-00977-8

Varroa is a major world-wide pest to Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), causing huge ongoing losses of colonies every year. Conversely, the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) is less vulnerable to the mite having existed alongside it over a long evolu... Read More about Varroa resistance in Apis cerana: a review.

Recapping and mite removal behaviour in Cuba: home to the world's largest population of Varroa-resistant European honeybees (2022)
Journal Article
Luis, A., Grindrod, I., Webb, G., Piñeiro, A., & Martin, S. (2022). Recapping and mite removal behaviour in Cuba: home to the world's largest population of Varroa-resistant European honeybees. Scientific reports, 12(1), 15597. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19871-5

The Varroa destructor ectoparasitic mite has spread globally and in conjunction with Deformed Wing Virus has killed millions of honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies. This has forced Northern hemisphere beekeepers into using miticides to avoid mass colo... Read More about Recapping and mite removal behaviour in Cuba: home to the world's largest population of Varroa-resistant European honeybees.

Recapping and resistance in Apis mellifera against the parasite Varroa destructor: the queen swap experiment (2022)
Thesis
Webb, G. Recapping and resistance in Apis mellifera against the parasite Varroa destructor: the queen swap experiment. (Dissertation). University of Salford

Honey bee colonies worldwide are currently facing an unrelenting threat to their survival from the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Although, resistance behaviours; such as recapping; appear to be effective by reducing mite infestations. In our firs... Read More about Recapping and resistance in Apis mellifera against the parasite Varroa destructor: the queen swap experiment.

Naturally occurring resistance to Varroa destructor in the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) (2022)
Thesis
Grindrod, I. Naturally occurring resistance to Varroa destructor in the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). (Thesis). University of Salford

The honey bee is an important social insect; it along with other bee species can be regarded as a keystone organism. The pollination services bees provide are invaluable not only in terms of human health and food security, with an estimated worth of... Read More about Naturally occurring resistance to Varroa destructor in the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera).

Cold case : the disappearance of Egypt bee virus, a fourth distinct master strain of deformed wing virus linked to honeybee mortality in 1970’s Egypt (2022)
Journal Article
de Miranda, J., Brettell, L., Chejanovsky, N., Childers, A., Dalmon, A., Deboutte, W., …Ball, B. (2022). Cold case : the disappearance of Egypt bee virus, a fourth distinct master strain of deformed wing virus linked to honeybee mortality in 1970’s Egypt. Virology Journal, 19(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-022-01740-2

In 1977, a sample of diseased adult honeybees (Apis mellifera) from Egypt was found to contain large amounts of a previously unknown virus, Egypt bee virus, which was subsequently shown to be serologically related to deformed wing virus (DWV). By seq... Read More about Cold case : the disappearance of Egypt bee virus, a fourth distinct master strain of deformed wing virus linked to honeybee mortality in 1970’s Egypt.

Vulnerability of island insect pollinator communities to pathogens (2021)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., Martin, S., Riegler, M., & Cook, J. (2021). Vulnerability of island insect pollinator communities to pathogens. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 186, 107670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2021.107670

Island ecosystems, which often contain undescribed insects and small populations of single island endemics, are at risk from diverse threats. The spread of pathogens is a major factor affecting not just pollinator species themselves, but also posing... Read More about Vulnerability of island insect pollinator communities to pathogens.

Parallel evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bees; a common mechanism across continents? (2021)
Journal Article
Grindrod, I., & Martin, S. (2021). Parallel evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bees; a common mechanism across continents?. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 288(1956), 20211375. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1375

The near-globally distributed ecto-parasitic mite of the Apis mellifera honey bee, Varroa destructor, has formed a lethal association with Deformed wing virus, a once rare and benign RNA virus. In concert the two have killed millions of wild and mana... Read More about Parallel evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bees; a common mechanism across continents?.

Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies (2021)
Journal Article
Kevill, J., Stainton, K., Schroeder, D., & Martin, S. (2021). Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies. Archives of Virology, 166(10), 2693-2702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-021-05162-3

Deformed wing virus (DWV) has been linked to the global decline of honey bees. DWV exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C), each with differing outcomes for the honey bee host. Research in the USA showed a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B... Read More about Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies.

Ten years of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Hawaiian honey bees (Apis mellifera), the dominant DWV-A variant is potentially being replaced by variants with a DWV-B coding sequence (2021)
Journal Article
Grindrod, I., Kevill, J., Villalobos, E., Schroeder, D., & Martin, S. (2021). Ten years of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Hawaiian honey bees (Apis mellifera), the dominant DWV-A variant is potentially being replaced by variants with a DWV-B coding sequence. Viruses, 13(6), e969. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13060969

The combination of Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Varroa destructor is arguably one of the greatest threats currently facing western honey bees, Apis mellifera. Varroa’s association with DWV has decreased viral diversity and increased loads of DWV wit... Read More about Ten years of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Hawaiian honey bees (Apis mellifera), the dominant DWV-A variant is potentially being replaced by variants with a DWV-B coding sequence.

Elevated recapping behaviour and reduced Varroa destructor reproduction in natural Varroa resistant Apis mellifera honey bees from the UK (2021)
Journal Article
Hawkins, G., & Martin, S. (2021). Elevated recapping behaviour and reduced Varroa destructor reproduction in natural Varroa resistant Apis mellifera honey bees from the UK. Apidologie, 52(3), 647-657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-021-00852-y

Varroa destructor mites remain a major threat to Apis mellifera honey bees, yet many populations across the world have naturally evolved survivorship to infestation. Here, we investigated the roles of recapping and mite reproduction in natural Varroa... Read More about Elevated recapping behaviour and reduced Varroa destructor reproduction in natural Varroa resistant Apis mellifera honey bees from the UK.

Spatial distribution of recapping behaviour indicates clustering around Varroa infested cells (2021)
Journal Article
Grindrod, I., & Martin, S. (2021). Spatial distribution of recapping behaviour indicates clustering around Varroa infested cells. Journal of Apicultural Research, 60(5), 707-716. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2021.1890419

Varroa destructor is arguably the most important threat to Apis mellifera honey bees. Despite the recentness of the invasion of Varroa, A. mellifera colonies naturally resistant to the mite are being observed in a growing number of populations across... Read More about Spatial distribution of recapping behaviour indicates clustering around Varroa infested cells.

Deformed wing virus prevalence and load in honeybees in South Africa (2020)
Journal Article
de Souza, F., Allsopp, M., & Martin, S. (2021). Deformed wing virus prevalence and load in honeybees in South Africa. Archives of Virology, 166, 237-241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-020-04863-5

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is an emerging honeybee pathogen that has appeared across the globe in the past 40 years. When transmitted by the parasitic varroa mite, it has been associated with the collapse of millions of colonies throughout the North... Read More about Deformed wing virus prevalence and load in honeybees in South Africa.

Investigating naturally evolved Varroa destructor resistance in Apis mellifera honey bees : host behavioural traits and parasite reproductive biology (2020)
Thesis
biology. (Dissertation). University of Salford

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor remains a major threat to Apis mellifera honey bees amidst ongoing colony losses throughout the Northern Hemisphere. While the vast majority of colonies still require artificial treatments to control their mit... Read More about Investigating naturally evolved Varroa destructor resistance in Apis mellifera honey bees : host behavioural traits and parasite reproductive biology.

RNAseq of Deformed wing virus and other honey bee-associated viruses in eight insect taxa with or without Varroa infestation (2020)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., Schroeder, D., & Martin, S. (2020). RNAseq of Deformed wing virus and other honey bee-associated viruses in eight insect taxa with or without Varroa infestation. Viruses, 12(11), e1229. https://doi.org/10.3390/v12111229

The global spread of a parasitic mite (Varroa destructor) has resulted in Deformed wing virus (DWV), a previously rare pathogen, now dominating the viromes in honey bees and contributing to large-scale honey bee colony losses. DWV can be found in div... Read More about RNAseq of Deformed wing virus and other honey bee-associated viruses in eight insect taxa with or without Varroa infestation.

Detection of Moku virus and replication in honey bees and social wasps (2020)
Journal Article
Highfield, A., Kevill, J., Mordecai, G., Hunt, J., Henderson, S., Sauvard, D., …Schroeder, D. (2020). Detection of Moku virus and replication in honey bees and social wasps. Viruses, 12(6), 607. https://doi.org/10.3390/v12060607

Transmission of honey bee viruses to other insects, and vice versa, has previously been reported and the true ecological importance of this phenomenon is still being realized. Members of the family Vespidae interact with honey bees via predation or t... Read More about Detection of Moku virus and replication in honey bees and social wasps.

Honey bee pathogens and diseases (2020)
Book Chapter
Martin, S., & Allsop, M. (2020). Honey bee pathogens and diseases. In C. Starr (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Insects. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90306-4_59-1

Honey bees are the most intensively studied of all social insects – quite possibly the most studied of any invertebrate animal. As such their diseases and pests have become well-known. It is unlikely that any other social insect is affected by such a... Read More about Honey bee pathogens and diseases.

Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the parasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata : Varroidae) (2020)
Journal Article
Harada, R., Yoshioka, M., Okuyama, H., Kato, M., Martin, S., & Takahashi, J. (2020). Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the parasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata : Varroidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 5(1), 635-636. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2019.1711219

Varroa destructor is a parasite mite of the eastern honey bee Apis cerana, which is native to Asia. The European honey bee Apis mellifera was imported to Asia from Europe and the USA for apiculture in the 19th century. In a short period of time, V. d... Read More about Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the parasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata : Varroidae).

Varroa destructor reproduction and cell re-capping in mite-resistant Apis mellifera populations (2019)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Hawkins, G., Brettell, L., Reece, N., Correia-Oliveira, M., & Allsopp, M. (2020). Varroa destructor reproduction and cell re-capping in mite-resistant Apis mellifera populations. Apidologie, 51(3), 369-381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13592-019-00721-9

Globalization has facilitated the spread of emerging pests such as the Varroa destructor mite, resulting in the near global distribution of the pest. In South African and Brazilian honey bees, mite-resistant colonies appeared within a decade; in Euro... Read More about Varroa destructor reproduction and cell re-capping in mite-resistant Apis mellifera populations.

Phenotypic plasticity of nest-mate recognition cues in formica exsecta ants (2019)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Drijfhout, F., & Hart, A. (2019). Phenotypic plasticity of nest-mate recognition cues in formica exsecta ants. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 45(9), 735-740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-019-01103-2

It is well established that many ant species have evolved qualitatively distinct species-specific chemical profile that are stable overlarge geographical distances. Within these species profiles quantitative variations in the chemical profile allows... Read More about Phenotypic plasticity of nest-mate recognition cues in formica exsecta ants.

Cuckoo Bumble Bees (Bombus (Psithyrus)) (2019)
Book Chapter
Martin, S. (2019). Cuckoo Bumble Bees (Bombus (Psithyrus)). In C. Starr (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Insects. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90306-4_33-1

There are about 250 species of bumble bees, genus Bombus, of which 30 have evolved into social parasites known as cuckoo bumble bees. All cuckoo bumble bees were at one time placed in their own genus, Psithyrus, which is now treated as a monophyletic... Read More about Cuckoo Bumble Bees (Bombus (Psithyrus)).

Deformed wing virus in honeybees and other insects (2019)
Journal Article
Martin, S., & Brettell, L. (2019). Deformed wing virus in honeybees and other insects. Annual Review of Virology, 6(1), 49-69. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015700

Deformed wing virus (DWV) has become the most well-known, widespread, and intensively studied insect pathogen in the world. Although DWV was previously present in honeybee populations, the arrival and global spread of a new vector, the ectoparasitic... Read More about Deformed wing virus in honeybees and other insects.

Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the small hive beetle Aethina tumida (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Hawaii (2019)
Journal Article
Takahashi, J., Okuyama, H., & Martin, S. (2019). Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the small hive beetle Aethina tumida (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Hawaii. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 4(1), 1522-1523. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2019.1601516

We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the small hive beetle Aethina tumida, a major honeybee pest that was accidentally transported to the Hawaii Islands, USA. The mitochondrial genome of A. tumida was identified as a 15,198 bp circular mo... Read More about Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the small hive beetle Aethina tumida (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Hawaii.

DWV-A lethal to honey bees (Apis mellifera) : a colony level survey of DWV variants (A, B & C) in England, Wales and 32 states across the US (2019)
Journal Article
Kevill, J., de Souza, F., Sharples, C., Oliver, R., Schroeder, D., & Martin, S. (2019). DWV-A lethal to honey bees (Apis mellifera) : a colony level survey of DWV variants (A, B & C) in England, Wales and 32 states across the US. Viruses, 11(5), 426. https://doi.org/10.3390/v11050426

The strong association between Varroa destructor and Deformed wing virus (DWV), and high overwintering colony losses (OCL) of honey bees is well established. Three DWV master variants: DWV-A, B and C, have been described. However, their various roles... Read More about DWV-A lethal to honey bees (Apis mellifera) : a colony level survey of DWV variants (A, B & C) in England, Wales and 32 states across the US.

RNAseq analysis reveals virus diversity within Hawaiian apiary insect communities (2019)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., Schroeder, D., & Martin, S. (2019). RNAseq analysis reveals virus diversity within Hawaiian apiary insect communities. Viruses, 11(5), 397. https://doi.org/10.3390/v11050397

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most abundant viral pathogen of honey bees and has been associated with large-scale colony losses. DWV and other bee-associated RNA viruses are generalists capable of infecting diverse hosts. Here we used RNAseq analy... Read More about RNAseq analysis reveals virus diversity within Hawaiian apiary insect communities.

Asian Honey Bee Apis cerana foraging on mushrooms (2019)
Journal Article
Takahashi, J., Hosaki, K., Martin, S., & Kawabe, A. (2019). Asian Honey Bee Apis cerana foraging on mushrooms. Bee World, 96(1), 10-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2018.1556964

Honey bees (Apis spp.) are well known for obtaining their nutrition from pollen and nectar collected from a wide range of flowers (Winston, 1991). They also collect honeydew secreted by aphids and scale insects as an additional source of carbohydrate... Read More about Asian Honey Bee Apis cerana foraging on mushrooms.

Occurrence of deformed wing virus variants in the stingless Melipona subnitida and honey Apis mellifera bee populations in North Eastern Brazil (2019)
Journal Article
de Souza, F., Kevill, J., Correia-Oliveira, M., de Carvalho, C., & Martin, S. (2019). Occurrence of deformed wing virus variants in the stingless Melipona subnitida and honey Apis mellifera bee populations in North Eastern Brazil. Journal of General Virology, 100, 289-294. https://doi.org/10.1099/jgv.0.001206

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is now a global insect pathogen. Brazilian stingless bees are a diverse group often managed in close proximity to honey bees. We investigated the prevalence and load of DWV in 33 stingless bees (Melipona subnitida) and 12 h... Read More about Occurrence of deformed wing virus variants in the stingless Melipona subnitida and honey Apis mellifera bee populations in North Eastern Brazil.

Origins of Vespa velutina hornet that recently invaded Iki Island, Japan and Jersey Island, UK (2018)
Journal Article
Takahashi, J., Okuyama, H., Kiyoshi, T., Takeuchi, T., & Martin, S. (2019). Origins of Vespa velutina hornet that recently invaded Iki Island, Japan and Jersey Island, UK. Mitochondrial DNA Part A, 30(3), 434-439. https://doi.org/10.1080/24701394.2018.1538366

The native distribution of the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, is throughout East Asia. Around 15 years ago this species was accidentally introduced into South Korea and France, where it became established and then spread into neighbouring coun... Read More about Origins of Vespa velutina hornet that recently invaded Iki Island, Japan and Jersey Island, UK.

A vast 4000-year-old spatial pattern of termite mounds (2018)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Funch, R., Hanson, P., & Yoo, E. (2018). A vast 4000-year-old spatial pattern of termite mounds. Current Biology, 28(22), R1292-R1293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.09.061

The origins of many large-scale ‘biogenic’ earthen structures are controversial, because often the species that built them have vanished. This is especially true when they form regular (over-dispersed), self-organized vegetation patterns [1]. Here, w... Read More about A vast 4000-year-old spatial pattern of termite mounds.

Is the salivary gland associated with honey bee recognition compounds in worker honey bees (Apis mellifera)? (2018)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Correia-Oliveria, M., Shemilt, S., & Drijfhout, F. (2018). Is the salivary gland associated with honey bee recognition compounds in worker honey bees (Apis mellifera)?. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 44(7-8), 650-657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-018-0975-8

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) function as recognition compounds with the best evidence coming from social insects such as ants and honey bees. The major exocrine gland involved in hydrocarbon storage in ants is the post-pharyngeal gland (PPG) in the... Read More about Is the salivary gland associated with honey bee recognition compounds in worker honey bees (Apis mellifera)?.

Life history and chemical ecology of the Warrior wasp Synoeca septentrionalis (Hymenoptera : Vespidae, Epiponini) (2018)
Journal Article
Santos, E., Shemilt, S., de Carvalho, C., & Martin, S. (2018). Life history and chemical ecology of the Warrior wasp Synoeca septentrionalis (Hymenoptera : Vespidae, Epiponini). PLoS ONE, 13(3), e0194689. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194689

Swarm-founding ‘Warrior wasps’ (Synoeca spp.) are found throughout the tropical regions of South America, are much feared due to their aggressive nest defence and painful sting. There are only five species of Synoeca, all construct distinctive nests... Read More about Life history and chemical ecology of the Warrior wasp Synoeca septentrionalis (Hymenoptera : Vespidae, Epiponini).

The complete mitochondrial genome of a Buckfast bee, Apis mellifera (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Northern Ireland (2018)
Journal Article
Okuyama, H., Hill, J., Martin, S., & Takahashi, J. (2018). The complete mitochondrial genome of a Buckfast bee, Apis mellifera (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Northern Ireland. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 3(1), 338-339. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2018.1450660

We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the ‘Buckfast bee’, Apis mellifera, collected from Northern Ireland, UK. It consisted of a circular molecule of 16,353 bp. The genome contained 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes, along with... Read More about The complete mitochondrial genome of a Buckfast bee, Apis mellifera (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Northern Ireland.

Evidence of Varroa -mediated deformed wing virus spillover in Hawaii (2017)
Journal Article
Santamaria, J., Villalobos, E., Brettell, L., Nikaido, S., Graham, J., & Martin, S. (2017). Evidence of Varroa -mediated deformed wing virus spillover in Hawaii. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 151, 126-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2017.11.008

The spread of disease between closely related species is often times exacerbated by a vector. In this study, the Varroa mite, a pest exclusive to honeybees, has been shown to amplify the natural levels of the Deformed Wing virus, resulting in a spill... Read More about Evidence of Varroa -mediated deformed wing virus spillover in Hawaii.

Are isomeric alkenes used in species recognition among neo-tropical stingless bees (Melipona spp) (2017)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Shemilt, S., Lima, C., & Carvalho, C. (2017). Are isomeric alkenes used in species recognition among neo-tropical stingless bees (Melipona spp). Journal of Chemical Ecology, 43(11-12), 1066-1072. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-017-0901-5

The majority of our understanding of the role of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) in recognition is based largely on temperate ant species and honey bees. The stingless bees remain relatively poorly studied, despite being the largest group of eusocial be... Read More about Are isomeric alkenes used in species recognition among neo-tropical stingless bees (Melipona spp).

Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the tropical hornet Vespa affinis (Insecta, Hymenoptera) (2017)
Journal Article
Okuyama, H., Martin, S., & Takahashi, J. (2017). Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the tropical hornet Vespa affinis (Insecta, Hymenoptera). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2(2), 776-777. https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2017.1398622

We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the Asian tropical hornet Vespa affinis from Ishigaki Island, Japan. It consisted of a circular molecule with 19,109 bp, which is larger to other hornet species e.g. V. velutina. We predicted the genom... Read More about Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the tropical hornet Vespa affinis (Insecta, Hymenoptera).

ABC assay : method development and application to quantify the role of three DWV master variants in overwinter colony losses of European honey bees (2017)
Journal Article
Kevill, J., Highfield, A., Mordecai, G., Martin, S., & Schroeder, D. (2017). ABC assay : method development and application to quantify the role of three DWV master variants in overwinter colony losses of European honey bees. Viruses, 9(11), 314. https://doi.org/10.3390/v9110314

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of the most prevalent honey bee viral pathogens in the world. Typical of many RNA viruses, DWV is a quasi-species, which is comprised of a large number of different variants, currently consisting of three master varia... Read More about ABC assay : method development and application to quantify the role of three DWV master variants in overwinter colony losses of European honey bees.

The Asian Hornet (vespa velutina) - Threats, Biology & Expansion (2017)
Book
Martin, S. (2017). The Asian Hornet (vespa velutina) - Threats, Biology & Expansion. International Bee Research Association (IBRA) & Northern Bee Books

This book by Professor Stephen Martin aims to cover all the key aspects of the hornets’ biology including the impact they have on both people and honey bees. The information presented is gained from various sources during the many years Professor Ma... Read More about The Asian Hornet (vespa velutina) - Threats, Biology & Expansion.

Novel RNA virus genome discovered in Ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) from Hawaii (2017)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., Mordecai, G., Pachori, P., & Martin, S. (2017). Novel RNA virus genome discovered in Ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) from Hawaii. Genome Announcements, 5(30), https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00669-17

Here we report the full genome sequence of Milolii virus, a novel single stranded (positive sense) RNA virus discovered from Tapinoma melanocephalum ants in Hawaii. The genome is 10,475 nucleotides long encoding a polyprotein of 3304 amino acids.

Oldest Varroa tolerant honey bee population provides insight into the origins of the global decline of honey bees (2017)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., & Martin, S. (2017). Oldest Varroa tolerant honey bee population provides insight into the origins of the global decline of honey bees. Scientific reports, 7, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep45953

The ecto-parasitic mite Varroa destructor has transformed the previously inconsequential Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) into the most important honey bee viral pathogen responsible for the death of millions of colonies worldwide. Naturally, DWV persists a... Read More about Oldest Varroa tolerant honey bee population provides insight into the origins of the global decline of honey bees.

A comparison of deformed wing virus in deformed and asymptomatic honey bees (2017)
Journal Article
Brettell, L., Mordecai, G., Schroeder, D., Jones, I., da Silva, J., Vicente-Rubiano, M., & Martin, S. (2017). A comparison of deformed wing virus in deformed and asymptomatic honey bees. Insects, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.3390/insects8010028

Deformed wing virus (DWV) in association with Varroa destructor is currently attributed to being responsible for colony collapse in the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). The appearance of deformed individuals within an infested colony has long been... Read More about A comparison of deformed wing virus in deformed and asymptomatic honey bees.

Use of mass-participation outdoor events to assess human exposure to tickborne pathogens (2017)
Journal Article
Hall, J., Alpers, K., Bown, K., Martin, S., & Birtles, R. (2017). Use of mass-participation outdoor events to assess human exposure to tickborne pathogens. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(3), 463-467. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2303.161397

Mapping the public health threat of tickborne pathogens requires quantification of not only the density of infected host-seeking ticks but also the rate of human exposure to these ticks. To efficiently sample a high number of persons in a short time,... Read More about Use of mass-participation outdoor events to assess human exposure to tickborne pathogens.

Covert deformed wing virus infections have long-term deleterious effects on honeybee foraging and survival (2017)
Journal Article
deleterious effects on honeybee foraging and survival. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1848), 20162149. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.2149

Several studies have suggested that covert stressors can contribute to bee colony declines. Here we provide a novel case study and show using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology that covert deformed wing virus (DWV) infections... Read More about Covert deformed wing virus infections have long-term deleterious effects on honeybee foraging and survival.

Species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon stability within European Myrmica Ants (2016)
Journal Article
Guillem, R., Drijfhout, F., & Martin, S. (2016). Species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon stability within European Myrmica Ants. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(10), 1052-1062. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-016-0784-x

Recognition is a fundamental process on which all subsequent behaviors are based at every organizational level, from the gene up to the super-organism. At the whole organism level visual recognition is the best understood. However, chemical communi... Read More about Species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon stability within European Myrmica Ants.

Moku virus : a new Iflavirus found in wasps, honey bees and Varroa (2016)
Journal Article
Mordecai, G., Brettell, L., Pachori, P., Villalobos, E., Martin, S., Jones, I., & Schroeder, D. (2016). Moku virus : a new Iflavirus found in wasps, honey bees and Varroa. Scientific reports, 6(34983), https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34983

There is an increasing global trend of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) affecting a wide range of species, including honey bees. The global epidemic of the single stranded RNA Deformed wing virus (DWV), driven by the spread of Varroa destructor ha... Read More about Moku virus : a new Iflavirus found in wasps, honey bees and Varroa.

The occurrence of ecto-parasitic Leptus sp. mites on Africanised honey bees (2016)
Journal Article
Martin, S., & Correia-Oliveira, E. (2016). The occurrence of ecto-parasitic Leptus sp. mites on Africanised honey bees. Journal of Apicultural Research, 55(3), 243-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2016.1228214

Honey bee-mite-pathogen associations have led to the widespread collapse of Apis mellifera colonies in various parts of the world. The global trade in bees continues to expose honey bees to new pests and pathogens. Here we highlight to the beekeeping... Read More about The occurrence of ecto-parasitic Leptus sp. mites on Africanised honey bees.

Deformed wing virus is a recent global epidemic in honeybees driven by Varroa mites (2016)
Journal Article
Wilfert, L., Long, G., Leggett, H., Schmid-hemple, P., Butlin, R., Martin, S., & Boots, M. (2016). Deformed wing virus is a recent global epidemic in honeybees driven by Varroa mites. Science, 351(6273), 594-597. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac9976

Deformed wing virus (DWV) and its vector, the mite Varroa destructor, are a major threat to the world’s honeybees. Although the impact of Varroa on colony-level DWV epidemiology is evident, we have little understanding of wider DWV epidemiology and t... Read More about Deformed wing virus is a recent global epidemic in honeybees driven by Varroa mites.

Diversity in a honey bee pathogen: first report of a third master variant of the Deformed Wing Virus quasispecies (2015)
Journal Article
Mordecai, G. J., Wilfert, L., Martin, S. J., Jones, I. M., & Schroeder, D. C. (2016). Diversity in a honey bee pathogen: first report of a third master variant of the Deformed Wing Virus quasispecies. ISME Journal, 10(5), 1264-1273. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2015.178

Treatment of emerging RNA viruses is hampered by the high mutation and replication rates that enable these viruses to operate as a quasispecies. Declining honey bee populations have been attributed to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor and its... Read More about Diversity in a honey bee pathogen: first report of a third master variant of the Deformed Wing Virus quasispecies.

Superinfection exclusion and the long-term survival of honey bees in Varroa-infested colonies (2015)
Journal Article
Mordecai, G. J., Brettell, L., Martin, S. J., Dixon, D., Jones, I. M., & Schroeder, D. C. (2016). Superinfection exclusion and the long-term survival of honey bees in Varroa-infested colonies. ISME Journal, 10(5), 1182-1191. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2015.186

Over the past 50 years, many millions of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies have died as the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has spread around the world. Subsequent studies have indicated that the mite’s association with a group of R... Read More about Superinfection exclusion and the long-term survival of honey bees in Varroa-infested colonies.

Using errors by guard honeybees (Apis mellifera) to gain new insights into nestmate recognition signals (2015)
Journal Article
gain new insights into nestmate recognition signals. Chemical Senses, 40(9), 649-653. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjv053

Although the honeybee (Apis mellifera) is one of the world most studied insects, the chemical compounds used in nestmate recognition, remains an open question. By exploiting the error prone recognition system of the honeybee, coupled with genotypin... Read More about Using errors by guard honeybees (Apis mellifera) to gain new insights into nestmate recognition signals.

Evidence for colony-specific differences in chemical mimicry in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (2015)
Journal Article
Kather, R., Drijfhout, F., & Martin, S. (2015). Evidence for colony-specific differences in chemical mimicry in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Chemoecology, 25(4), 215-222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-015-0191-8

In social insects, the integrity of a colony is maintained by recognising and removing aliens. Nest-mates use chemical cues on the cuticle of the individual they encounter to determine whether or not it is part of the colony. Parasites have evolved t... Read More about Evidence for colony-specific differences in chemical mimicry in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor.

Evidence for passive chemical camouflage in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (2015)
Journal Article
Kather, R., Drijfhout, F., Shemilt, S., & Martin, S. (2015). Evidence for passive chemical camouflage in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 41(2), 178-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-015-0548-z

Social insect colonies provide a stable and safe environment for their members. Despite colonies been heavily guarded, parasites have evolved numerous strategies to invade and inhabit these hostile places. Two common strategies are chemical mimicry v... Read More about Evidence for passive chemical camouflage in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor.

Evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in the hymenoptera : a meta-analysis (2015)
Journal Article
Kather, R., & Martin, S. (2015). Evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in the hymenoptera : a meta-analysis. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 41(10), 871-883. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-015-0631-5

Chemical communication is the oldest form of communication, spreading across all organisms of life. In insects, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) function as the chemical recognition cues for the recognition of mates, species and nest-mates in social inse... Read More about Evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in the hymenoptera : a meta-analysis.

Is the Bee louse Braula coeca (Diptera) using chemical camouflage to survive within honeybee colonies? (2014)
Journal Article
Martin, S., & bayfield, J. (2014). Is the Bee louse Braula coeca (Diptera) using chemical camouflage to survive within honeybee colonies?. Chemoecology, 24(4), 165-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-014-0158-1

The bee louse, Braula coeca is a highly specialised flattened, wingless fly that spends its entire adult life on adult honeybees. It feeds by stealing food directly from bees during social feeding (trophallaxis). The Braula fly has a preference to in... Read More about Is the Bee louse Braula coeca (Diptera) using chemical camouflage to survive within honeybee colonies?.

Chemical deception among ant social parasites (2014)
Journal Article
Gulliem, R., Drijfhout, F., & Martin, S. (2014). Chemical deception among ant social parasites. Current Zoology, 60(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.1093/czoolo/60.1.62

Deception is widespread throughout the animal kingdom and various deceptive strategies are exemplified by social parasites. These are species of ants, bees and wasps that have evolved to invade, survive and reproduce within a host colony of another s... Read More about Chemical deception among ant social parasites.

Recognition of nestmate eggs in the ant Formica fusca is based on queen derived cues (2014)
Journal Article
based on queen derived cues. Current Zoology, 60(1), 131-136

Inclusive fitness benefits depend on recognizing the right individuals to interact with. Social insect nests protect themselves from non-kin intruders through nestmate recognition based on chemical cues. The recognition cues on adult individuals ar... Read More about Recognition of nestmate eggs in the ant Formica fusca is based on queen derived cues.

The role of deformed wing virus in the initial collapse of varroa infested honey bee colonies in the UK. (2013)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Ball, B., & Carreck, N. (2013). The role of deformed wing virus in the initial collapse of varroa infested honey bee colonies in the UK. Journal of Apicultural Research, 52(5), 251-258. https://doi.org/10.3896/IBRA.1.52.5.12

The mite Varroa destructor has been associated with the collapse of millions of Apis mellifera honey bee colonies world-wide. During the past decade, a large body of research has revealed various interactions between varroa, the honey bee and various... Read More about The role of deformed wing virus in the initial collapse of varroa infested honey bee colonies in the UK..

Sources of variation in cuticular hydrocarbons in the ant formica exsecta (2013)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Vitikainen, E., Shemilt, S., Drijfhout, F., & Sundström, L. (2013). Sources of variation in cuticular hydrocarbons in the ant formica exsecta. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 39(11-12), 1415-1423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-013-0366-0

Phenotypic variation arises from interactions between genotype and environment, although how variation is produced and then maintained remains unclear. The discovery of the nest-mate recognition system in Formica exsecta ants has allowed phenotypic v... Read More about Sources of variation in cuticular hydrocarbons in the ant formica exsecta.

Nest-mate recognition cues are not used during or influenced by mating in the antFormica exsecta (2013)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Shemilt, S., & Trontti, K. (2014). Nest-mate recognition cues are not used during or influenced by mating in the antFormica exsecta. Ethology Ecology and Evolution, 26(1), 40-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2013.809386

A wide range of mating isolating mechanisms has evolved to avoid mating with close relatives. In mating aggregations that commonly occur in social insects (bees, wasps and ants) sexuals from the same colony can potentially be present, so some type of... Read More about Nest-mate recognition cues are not used during or influenced by mating in the antFormica exsecta.

Global honey bee viral landscape altered by a parasitic mite (2012)
Journal Article
Martin, S., Highfield, A., Brettell, L., Nikado, S., Villalobos, E., & Schoder, D. (2012). Global honey bee viral landscape altered by a parasitic mite. Science, 336(6086), 1304-1306. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1220941

Emerging diseases are among the greatest threats to honey bees. Unfortunately, where and when an emerging disease will appear are almost impossible to predict. The arrival of the parasitic Varroa mite into the Hawaiian honey bee population allowed... Read More about Global honey bee viral landscape altered by a parasitic mite.

The role of resistance to varroa destructor and deformed wing virus in the European honey bee (apis mellifera)
Thesis
Kevill, J. (in press). The role of resistance to varroa destructor and deformed wing virus in the European honey bee (apis mellifera). (Thesis). University of Salford

The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is of global importance as a pollinator. Over the past 30 years an increase in colonies lost during winter has occurred, particularly in the northern hemisphere. These losses are attributed to the ectoparasitic... Read More about The role of resistance to varroa destructor and deformed wing virus in the European honey bee (apis mellifera).