Behavioural Resistance of Libyan Honeybee against Varroa mite: Preliminary Study

This study was designed to evaluate the behavioural resistance of Libyan honeybee. A freeze-killed brood assay was used to explore the hygienic behaviour, while grooming behavior was assessed using anti-varroa bottom board. All colonies (100 %) were found to show hygienic behaviour, with some other colonies having a high level of removal of sealed dead larvae and pupae. Higher infestation rate of varroa was detected in colonies performed lower hygienic behavior. There was a positive correlation between grooming behavior and number of falling varroa on bottom board of bee hives. For the first time since Varroa invaded Libya, our results provide evidence that untreated local honeybee colonies can survive the mite, which may be the basis for integrated Varroa management.