Even more insightful findings about these so-called “zombie bees” were revealed in a recent study conducted by undergraduates from San Francisco State University. This study does the difficult work of explaining this counter-intuitive phenomenon. This research, part of the course “Bio 460: General Entomology,” monitored honeybee populations infected by a specific parasite, shedding light on the seasonal dynamics of bee health.
In order to study this, the scientists first looked at how infected bees show disoriented behavior. These are the bees that often leave their homes to die near light sources. This shocking behavior may be due to an invasive parasitic fly known as Apocephalus borealis, which infests honeybees, predominantly Apis mellifera. Our research stretched across six varying locations on the SFSU campus from September 2024 through May 2025. This large-scale, long-term study yielded reproducible and quantitative data around the fate of the local bee populations.
Seasonal Fluctuations in Parasitism Rates
Now, the new study showing rates of parasitism among honeybees varies with the seasons, hitting highs in May. Over the course of this month, around half of the tracked bees tested positive for infection. In their work, researchers have noted that rates of parasitism strongly correlate with environmental conditions. Warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels help explain this connection.
In a series of field observations, the team recorded the behavior of infected bees and matched their observations to local weather conditions. As global temperatures increase, so do the odds of infectious disease. While all of these influences further threaten bee populations, it reveals a growing potential boon to urban bee habitats.
The data collected emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of bee health, particularly in cities where ecosystems are constantly evolving. The research indicates that addressing these dynamics is key to protecting and preserving our bee populations.
Engaging Undergraduate Researchers
Lioh Jaboeuf, an international student from France, was awarded first author on a research paper that appears in the prestigious scientific journal Insects. He shared his passion for being a part of this groundbreaking research initiative. He stated,
“To be involved from the start, carry out the project on your own terms and write a paper, revise it and do it as a group was a very good opportunity to understand how research works.”
This experience further sparked Jaboeuf’s intellectual development. It provided him with a platform to explore collaborative scientific inquiry.
Jenny Hoffmann, another undergraduate who worked on the project with UC, appreciated the ease of being able to do research right on campus. She shared her thoughts:
“The project was done on campus, so it was very conveniently located. I could just go out and do the work in my community, which was so cool.”
As for Hoffmann’s favorite thing about science, she said it’s the collaborative, ever-changing nature of science.
“My favorite part of science is that it’s very collaborative and team-oriented,” she added.
Undergraduate research provides students a critical hands-on, real-world experience. They are a central player in other big scientific debates.
Importance of Long-term Monitoring
Because of the complex and often counterintuitive findings, this research highlights the need for long-term, seasonally informed monitoring of bee populations in urban areas. Cities are living, changing, evolving ecosystems. Their resilience arguably lies in closely watching, respecting, and learning from the diverse species that keep ecosystems in balance.
The primary researchers hope for larger, more powerful studies to continue exploring how environmental changes are affecting bee health. They stress that protecting these tiny atmospheric warriors is crucial not just for biodiversity, but for agricultural productivity overall.
Jaboeuf remarked on the rarity of such accomplishments for undergraduates, stating:
“Publishing a paper is kind of rare, especially as an undergraduate.”
The favorable publication of all their findings strengthens the students’ resumes and gives evidence of their hard work on significant scientific research.