First evidence of large hive beetle (Oplostomus fuligineus) invasion in the Arabian region: a survey-based study of spread and future management

Abstract

Large hive beetles (Oplostomus fuligineus, LHB) have long been recognized as significant pests of honey bee colonies, particularly across the African continent. Although LHBS are native to Sub-Saharan Africa, they have recently been recorded in North Africa, feeding primarily on young bee larvae within colonies, which leads to severe damage, especially in weaker colonies. In 2021, Abou-Shaara et al. predicted a high risk of LHB invasion into the North African and South Europe regions due to temperature variations. As a result, we performed a follow-up study based on a survey to assess the spread of LHB across the Arabian region. The questionnaire contained essential items from the global COLOSS surveys. During a two-month survey in 2024, 54 beekeepers from 11 Arabian countries responded, with Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen contributing the most data. The infestation rate was highest in countries along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, including Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, indicating that LHB may favor coastal weather conditions. Nearly all beekeepers notice significant hive beetle infestations in May, June, and July. This study is the first thorough survey undertaken in the Arabian region, establishing the first recorded occurrence of LHB, confirming earlier predictions, and emphasizing the critical need for additional research and management strategies.