Spider venom peptides show promise as eco-friendly treatment for honeybee-killing varroa mites
Researchers have discovered that peptides from the venom of the Tasmanian cave spider and giant Japanese funnel-web spider can kill Varroa destructor mites — a deadly parasite threatening honeybee colonies worldwide — without harming the bees. Published in npj Drug Discovery, the study led by Dr. Volker Herzig from the University of the Sunshine Coast represents an early step toward developing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic acaricides currently used to treat infestations.
Key quotes
Study lead author Volker Herzig from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Centre for Bioinnovation says the discovery is the first step in finding a new, environmentally friendly way to combat varroa mites which are destroying honeybee colonies across the globe.
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