Project Summary
Invasive species are major challenges for both biodiversity and human food security. Population genetics enables to understand the origin and diversity of introduced species, thereby informing mitigation programs.
Small hive beetles are parasites of social bee nests endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. They have become an invasive species and can cause considerable damage to apiculture in their new ranges. However, the mechanisms leading to their dispersal at the medium and large geographical scales remain poorly understood. To fill these knowledge gaps, we investigate in this project the genetic diversity and population structure of small hive beetles in their endemic range in Kenya.
