"Zombie Parasites" causing CCD?

In a previous blog post I linked to a few articles about colony collapse disorder, CCD. This is affecting honeybees throughout North America and Europe and it could possibly have an effect on food production if a cause is not identified.

One hypothesis for CCD was that there were parasites affecting the honeybees causing them to leave the hive and die. This hypothesis has been supported by recent research into a parasitic fly that uses the honeybees as their host. As the Discover magazine article states...

"Andrew Core from San Francisco State University has a possible answer, and a new suspect for CCD. He has shown that a parasitic fly, usually known for attacking bumblebees, also targets honeybees. The fly, Apocephalus borealis, lays up to a dozen eggs in bee workers. Its grubs eventually eat the bees from the inside-out. And the infected workers, for whatever reason, abandon their hives to die."

 

Many times these are called "Zombie Parasites" because they cause the host animals to change their behavior. The picture above shows a fly larva emerging from the neck of the honeybee.

As you comment on these articles think about the following: What could scientists do for further research? What are some possible ways to 'cure' or treat these? What might happen to the ecosystem if CCD continues unchecked? Lastly, make sure you read about the ants that get infected by these parasites. Wow!