A red queen for bees? Is that the newest development for varroa resistance or the most productive honey bee colonies ever?
Well, ask yourself: Does this fit into anything that I ever talked about on this blog? Quite the opposite: I’ve always tried to explain the complexity of biological systems. And why knowing about this makes you stronger and less susceptible to get into trouble.
So, sorry to disappoint you, but the “Red Queen” isn’t a miraculous solution to all beekeeping problems. It’s just one of those strange connections my brain makes when I’m thinking almost nothing. The “Red Queen Hypothesis” is a concept in evolutionary biology that relies on the Red Queen in “Through the Looking-Glass” by Lewis Carroll. Stay with me, it will make sense.
The Red Queen for bees
Broadly speaking, this hypothesis speaks about the probability of species extinction. Which depends on their ability of adaption. They have to run (adapt) to the conditions they live in, so that they don’t get extinct (stay at the same place). It’s a bit more detailed than that, but this is the part I need for explaining my point.
A “Red Queen for bees”, therefore, is totally the opposite of a miraculous solution. It’s a useful image to explain why we’ll never be able to lay back because we found the “now everything is fine” solution. I often wonder why most people accept that they have to put in some effort to keep their home tidy or car running. But not when it comes to much more complex things. Like beekeeping and bee health. “Running” in this case means good practices. Constant work. And learning.
The best beekeepers, those with only little losses and able to maintain themselves and their colonies do this. Maybe they wish for a miracle sometimes solving all their problems. Who doesn’t? But in the end: They know that they have to put in the work and get along quite well with it.
Adding direction to the run
In the past 30 years, so the time I’m dealing with bees, I’ve come across quite a few “runners”. Some do it seemingly effortless or with joy. Others struggle after a few meters. The frustration then brings them to give up or try some miracles. Like 100% efficient varroa treatments or varroa resistant bees.
I like the image of “running” also for two other reasons. First: It needs direction. You usually don’t just run around (OK, kids or puppies do. But I’m talking about adults…). You run a certain track, to catch the bus or that child that is running over the street. Second: You won’t run a marathon without training.
That applies to beekeeping or the Red Queen for bees, too. The direction is “keeping honey bee colonies healthy”. This is what will keep them productive and your activity sustainable. Independently if you’re a backyard beekeeper or a professional one. “Training”, on the other hand, means learning. You’ll never be “ready” with this. Because things change. Varroa won’t be the last challenge beekeepers encounter. Learning and keeping you up to date will not only make you stay at the same place. But slowly and constantly advance to be a better beekeeper.
P.S.: Relating to learning and varroa – I wrote a whole series on the topic last winter. It starts with knowing your enemy for better dealing with varroa. In eight posts, I explain the very basics of good practices related to the mite.
In addition, end of September 2024 I’m launching a new course in the BeeSafe Academy. All about varroa and how to deal with it. Stay tuned for that!
