Studies on major pests and predators of Apis cerana F. and Apis mellifera L. in the Chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The occurence and distribution of pests and predators of honeybees (Apis cerana F. and Apis mellifera L.) in the chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh were surveyed during the agricultural seasons of 2016. A total of 15 apiaries was chosen from the chamba and adjoining areas that support beekeeping in rural areas. Honeybee colonies are attacked by 36 species pests and predators in different areas of the chamba valley. The most serious pests and predators which cause considerable damage are Varroa destructor, Vespa auraria, Vespa orientalis, Galleria mellonella, Dicrurus and Ursus species however other pests of minor importance to beekeeping were also recorded in chamba and bharmour valley of Himachal Pradesh.