The Red Dwarf Bee arrives in Europe: an invasive species

Recently, a colony of Apis florea, a species of bee native to Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, was discovered in Malta. This is the first colony to be found on European soil and immediately alarmed experts, as the presence of this species could threaten native bees and destabilise local ecosystems and biodiversity not only on the island of Malta, but throughout the Mediterranean. Should this invasive species become established in the Mediterranean, the Asian Red Dwarf Bee could compete with local species for resources and introduce dangerous pathogens to which European bees are susceptible. In addition, global warming is making Mediterranean habitats increasingly suitable for species such as Apis florea, increasing the risk of its stable spread in the region.

As reported in the article published in the Journal of Apicultural Research, the colony of red dwarf bees was discovered in Malta, near the port of Birżebbuġa, and consisted of around 2,000 adults. To confirm that it was indeed Apis florea, a DNA testing was carried out and the colony was neutralised. However, there is a possibility that some red dwarf bees may have left the original colony to establish new ones. If this were to happen, and if the 'escaped' bees managed to survive thanks to the mild climate of the island of Malta, this species could become to all intents and purposes invasive, and even spread to other parts of the Mediterranean. Experts have therefore advised people to monitor the situation and promptly report any sightings of non-native honey bees immediately in order to contain the phenomenon.

The Red Dwarf Bee (Apis florea) is a small species of honeybee, native to Southeast Asia. Adults measure about 7-10 mm and are therefore much smaller than the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), and use different defensive strategies. The red dwarf bee builds its nests outdoors, often on the branches of evergreen trees, and produces limited amounts of honey compared to other honey bees. Although it has a stinger, its tame behaviour means it poses no danger to humans, and its effectiveness in pollination has made it a valuable ally to farmers in Southeast Asia, where it is also marketed for this purpose. Apis florea is highly adaptable to tropical and subtropical climates, and its ability to survive in more temperate environments is facilitated by global warming.

The impact of invasive species such as Apis florea is a major threat to European ecosystems. In the absence of natural predators in new environments, these species can quickly establish and dominate, threatening native species and altering the ecological balance. The spread of such species leads to a reduction in biodiversity and the destabilisation of ecological networks. An emblematic example of this phenomenon is the Asian wasp (Vespa velutina), which has caused severe damage to bee populations in Europe. The management of invasive species requires timely intervention and continuous monitoring strategies to prevent irreversible damage to ecosystems, and protect biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.