Kingofrunes wrote on 2013-10-16 15:17
So I was discussing with some friends about zombies which made me remember something about a wasp that kept an insect alive and controlled it to incubate and develop it's offspring.
Trying to discover what it was led me to these articles:
http://news.discovery.com/animals/zoo-animals/parasite-bees-zombies-010512.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocephalus_borealis
So basically not only are humans the cause of bee colonies collapsing but this parasitic fly is also the alarming cause of it.
This of course complicates the issue. Human activity we can try and curb but how the hell do we stop the parasitic flies from compounding the issue?
Momaro wrote on 2013-10-16 19:08
This is one of those topics people are actively looking to find a resolution. I'd suspect people will be able to solve this before it's too late, but their are other factors that might be looked toward that might help as well.
Presumably, as bees whom appear to have are more resistant to this fly thrive, parasitism should have a lower mortality rate. Hopefully, the bee should evolve to cope with this epidemic otherwise, I can't see them being around much longer in North America without intervention.
On the side note, it would be fortunate if they took to ridding us of a few africanized bees.
When worse comes to worse, Europe might end up cornering the market on honey and honey prices will go up dramatically.
:llama_tea:
TLCBonaparte wrote on 2013-10-17 14:35
And maple syrup, it's all coming together, Canada is the evil mastermind behind the parasitic flies.
Chockeh wrote on 2013-10-18 02:21
Quote from TLCBonaparte;1160161:
And maple syrup, it's all coming together, Canada is the evil mastermind behind the parasitic flies.
Nah man, the real masterminds are the ones that did the great Canadian maple syrup heist last year.