Australian Beekeepers

Col Parker

Tasmanian Beekeepers Association

 

COMMENTS ON INTRODUCTION OF BOMBUS TERRESTRIS TO TASMANIA

 

  1. Spread and Feeding regime of Bombus terrestris

    As this introduced bee has spread, other forest trees should be added to the list on pages 15-16 Goodwin/Steiner Report:

    1. Eucryphia lucida (leatherwood) into -
      1. Arve Valley - south
      2. Florentine Valley - west
    2. Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) into SE Tasmanian stands
    3. Eucalyptus obliqua (stringy bark/messmate) into -
      1. Arve Valley
      2. Florentine Valley west of Maydena
     
  2.  Competition with other insects
     
    1. In reference to Dr Cane's comments on page 26 of Goodwin/Steiner report, there does not appear to be any conflict with other insects or bees in the Tasmanian situation.
    2. Also refer to Ettershank & Ettershank (1993) who found no behavioural interaction of honey bees with native insects were observed.
    3. Overseas countries do not have bumblebee problems with honey bees, e.g. New Zealand, Canada, American States, Europe.
     
  3. Movement from Tasmania - see Donovan (1990).
     

    I believe that there is a greater chance of human transport of B. terrestris to the mainland of Australia than natural flight through connecting islands.

  4. Pathogen introduction
This should be carefully checked out. The Tasmanian Bee Industry is currently strenuously working with mainland Australia to prevent the introduction of Varroa and Acarine mites from overseas. Any introduction of B. terrestris must be checked as to its freedom from these parasites.