'Zombie' Bees Invade Eastern US; Scientists Locate Origin

Vermont apiculturists face a new species of "zombie" bees that emerged last autumn due the collapse of colonies from extreme temperature changes.

According to the Associated Press, via NBC, apiculturist Anthony Cantrell from Burlington was the first to discover these rare species of bees in their hive in the eastern U.S. last October. However, it was Professor John Hafernik of San Francisco State University who reported on the "zombie" bees in 2008.

Hafernik explained that a fly called Apocephalus adhered to bees and planted its eggs in them, which developed inside bees, resulting in a bee with erratic nighttime behaviour, like "zombies"; however, their life period is short and ends a few hours after the first symptoms.

The specialist in agricultural production from Vermont, Stephen Parise, consulted by the AP, said that so far it can't be known if this species is "isolated." The Vermont Agriculture Agency warned that this year we can expect a greater number of dead bees due to drastic temperature changes.

Chas Mraz of Champlain Valley Apiaries said that the real problems for bees are pesticides and viruses, joined by the lack of nectar due to temperature changes, mainly on maize and soy, which might be affecting the immunological system of bees.

If the proliferation of the fly affecting bees is not controlled, the risk of a new "zombie" species is greater every time, and might reach states like California, Washington, Oregon and South Dakota.