The Past and Possible Future Spread of Africanized Honeybees in the Americas

Abstract

Orley Taylor is an ecologist, appointed by the US Department Agriculture to monitor and study the spread of “Africanized bees”—hybrids between Apis mellifera of European origin and Apis mellifera adansonii—in the Americas. He has travelled widely to collect and assess the material presented in this up-to-date report. Currently USDA is funding 14 research projects dealing with points discussed here, such as swarm characteristics, swarming dynamics, the biology of migration and absconding. Basic research is also now being done in Southern Africa, and before too long it should be possible to clarify some of the biological bases for observed behaviour, which will constitute a first step towards effective management.