There is a powerful illustration of just what havoc an alien introduction can quickly cause, with an account of how bee keepers in North America and Canada are struggling to protect their Honey bee hives from Asian giant hornets (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/25/hornets-race-to-protect-north-americas-honeybees-from-giant-invader-aoe). Nobody really knows how these exotic insects have been introduced to the North American continent (many imports that might be harbouring insects are treated with carbon dioxide). The hornets have huge mandibles and can decapitate bees. When they locate a hive, they can organise a raiding party that can take place several days later. This type of attack can largely destroy colonies as they feed on the helpless bee larvae in their cells. People protecting the honey bee have been using lots of techniques (including radio-tracking) to locate and destroy hornet colonies (a process that can be painful). Apparently, Japanese Honey bees can deal with hornet invaders by smothering them with their bodies (so they over-heat and die) but their North American counterparts have not developed a counter strategy..
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday 25 June 2020
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