Trap for aethina tumida usable in a hive

Abstract

A trap for Aethina tumida usable in a hive (A) has an panel made up of opposite sheets (10, 11) and a multiplicity of partition walls (12), which have opposite ends (7, 8) and are arranged along parallel planes between the opposite sheets (10, 11) to form corresponding channels (2), each having a first end (20) and a second end (21), opposite to the first end (20). In each channel (2) there is at least one tongue (3) capable of bending under the thrust of an Aethina tumida to allow it to advance into the channel (2) and close the passage behind it. The tongue (3) has one end (31) joined to one of the partition walls (12).

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention: TRAP FOR AETHINA TUMIDA USABLE IN A HIVETechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trap for Aethina tumida usable in a hive.Background Art

[0002] In a publication co-authored by the inventors of the present invention (MONITORING OF SMALL HIVE BEETLE (AETHINA TUMIDA MURRAY) IN CALABRIA (ITALY) FROM 2014 TO 2016: PRACTICAL IDENTIFICATION METHODS, Short Communication, J. APIC. SCI. VOL. 61 NO. 2 2017. Rivera- Gomis et al. 258) it is stated that the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is an invasive parasite of honey bee colonies that causes significant damage to the beekeeping sector. The use of an internal divider, which is an opaque, preferably black, movable wall, has made it possible to modify the method of examining bee colonies with a reduction in the time required. The mobile divider is positioned on the opposite side from where the inspection begins, and subsequently the nest frames are inspected one by one for the presence of Aethina tumida and transferred to an empty hive or to a so-called nuc box (nucleous colony) placed near the hives to be investigated. At the end of the clinical inspection, the mobile wall is removed to check for the presence of Aethina tumida behind it because the parasite takes refuge in dark areas of the hive. In fact, the adults of Aethina tumida, taking refuge behind the mobile wall, find an ideal hiding place. In particular, they avoid the light that enters the hive during inspection visits, which require the activation of the mobile wall. It is understood that the mobile wall serves to check for the presence of Aethina tumida but does not allow its capture.

[0003] AU 2016100843 A4 describes a trap with an entrance limited to the beetle only thanks to its small size that prevents the passage of bees. The functional components of the trap include a rigid container or provided with a mesh fine enough to stop the parasite entering from the rest of the hive, one or two unidirectional tabs through which the parasite can pass into the trap but cannot exit, a joint provided at the directional tabs that allows the container to be removed and replaced so that the trapped parasites can be disposed of without disturbing the hive or removing the rest of the trap. In other words, the trap is made in two parts: the entrance area is blocked with the joints near the hive, and the container is removable.

[0004] US 2013 / 0145679 Al discloses a small trap for Aethina tumida constructed of a strip of corrugated cardboard on which holes are drilled for the injection of natural pheromones. The trap is intended to be placed inside the hive around the perimeter.Summary of Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to monitor the presence of Aethina tumida in a hive.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a trap for Aethina tumida that allows safe imprisonment of the parasite.

[0007] Another object is to conveniently remove the trap with the parasite trapped in it.

[0008] The objects of the invention are achieved by a trap for Aethina tumida usable in a hive, comprising an panel having opposite sheets and partition walls that have opposite ends and are arranged along parallel planes between said opposite sheets to form corresponding channels, each having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, in which positioned in each channel is at least one tongue capable of bending under the thrust of an Aethina tumida to allow it to advance into the channel and close the passage behind it, the tongue having one end joined to one of said partition walls.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] Further features and advantages of the invention will become most clear from the description of embodiments of trap for Aethina tumida and of the relative use in a hive, illustrated in the attached drawings in which:Fig.l

[0010] [Fig.l] - [Fig.l] is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, of a first embodiment of the trap according to the invention arranged horizontally;Fig.2

[0011] [Fig. 2] - [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the trap of [Fig.l] in the assembled condition and rotated 90°;Fig.3

[0012] [Fig. 3] - [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a hive without a lid and frames, the trap of [Fig. 2] being placed inside the hive;Fig.4

[0013] [Fig. 4] - [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectioned view of the hive shown in [Fig. 3];Fig.5

[0014] [Fig. 5] - [Fig. 5] is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectioned view of the hive of [Fig. 3] with insects inserted for illustration;Fig.6

[0015] [Fig. 6] - [Fig. 6] is an enlarged cross-sectioned view of the trap shown in [Fig. 3], the cross-sectioned view being taken through the trap;Fig.7

[0016] [Fig. 7] - [Fig. 7] is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectioned view, similar to that of [Fig. 5], showing a second embodiment of the trap inserted into a hive;Fig.8

[0017] [Fig. 8] - [Fig. 8] is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a third embodiment of the trap of the invention arranged horizontally;Fig.9

[0018] [Fig. 9] - [Fig. 9] is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a fourth embodiment of the trap of the invention arranged horizontally;Fig.10

[0019] [Fig. 10] - [Fig. 10] is a top plan view, partially cut away, of the trap of [Fig. 9] with parasites entering;Fig.ll

[0020] [Fig. 11] - [Fig. 11] is a top plan view, partially cut away, of a fifth embodiment of the trap of the invention with the parasites entering; and Fig.12

[0021] [Fig. 12] - [Fig. 12] is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a sixth embodiment of the trap of the invention arranged horizontally.Description of Embodiments

[0022] Initially, reference is made to Figures 1 and 2 which are a partially cut exploded perspective view, and, respectively, in assembled condition, of a first embodiment of a trap according to the invention.

[0023] The trap for Aethina tumida consists of a panel 1 having opposite sheets 10 and 11 parallel to each other and a multiplicity of partition walls 12 between one sheet and the other, forming channels 2. The panel 1 can be made of polycarbonate with a thickness between 4 and 6 mm, so that the channels 2 have dimensions such as to allow the entry of the Aethina tumida but not that of the bees. Instead of polycarbonate, the panel 1 could be made of biodegradable material. Conveniently, at least one of the opposite sheets 10 and 11 is opaque, or totally or partially painted with a black paint so that the trap delimits a dark environment inside it. Advantageously, the sheet 10 facing the hive frames is opaque or painted black.

[0024] In this first embodiment, each channel 2 has a first end 20 that is open and a second end 21, opposite the first end 20, which is closed.

[0025] In each first end 20 of the channel, a tongue 3 is positioned, having an external end 31 and an internal end 32, where “external” and “internal” refer to the position of the tongue with respect to the channel. Conveniently, the tongues 3 are joined opposite in pairs, to form a retaining device indicated as 30. The tongues 3 of the retaining device 30 form a dihedral so as to have the external ends 31 joined to each other with the dihedral edge in contact with a first partition wall 12, and the internal ends 32 abuttingadjacent partition walls 12. The pairs of tongues are held in position by the weight of the panel, or by the elastic contrast with the adjacent wall, or by an adhesive substance.

[0026] The tongues 3 are made of a material capable of bending under the thrust of the Aethina tumida to allow it to advance into the channel, as shown below.

[0027] Depending on the mode of use, the first embodiment of the trap has each first end 20 of the channel cut at a predetermined angle with respect to one of said opposite sheets 10 and 11 of the panel, preferably 30°; alternatively, in a second embodiment, the panel 1 is cut orthogonally to the opposite sheets 10 and 11 that compose it.

[0028] With reference to the first embodiment of the trap mentioned above, see Figures 3 to 6 which show, respectively, a perspective view of a hive A with the trap placed inside in a vertical position close to the right side of the hive A, a cross-sectioned view, an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectioned view of the trap and an enlarged cross-sectioned view of the trap shown in [Fig. 3].

[0029] The panel 1 is configured as a mobile wall intended to be placed vertically inside the hive A parallel to an end frame (not shown) and to the right side wall Al of the hive A. The panel 1 can be placed on the lateral supports A2 of the frames, or, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, it can rest on the bottom A3 of the hive A. In any case, the channels 2 have a first end 20 intended to come into contact with the bottom of the hive A and a second closed end 21. The closure of the second ends 21 of the channels 2 can be done by heat sealing or with any other suitable means.

[0030] The first end 20 is cut on the opposite side to the right side wall Al of the hive A, as clearly shown in [Fig. 5] where an Aethina tumida is indicated as at and a is a bee. It is clearly seen that the cut preferably at 30° of the first end 20 of the channel allows the Aethina tumida at to take refuge in the trap but does not allow the entry of the bee a which has dimensions on average three times greater than those of the Aethina tumida at.

[0031] Each tongue 3 can be individually joined to a partition wall 12 of the panel 1 so as to close the passage through the channel, but allow it under the thrust of the Aethina tumida and close it elastically after the passage of the latter.

[0032] It is preferable, as shown in the figures, that pairs of tongues 3, joined opposite each other, according to the desired angle of union, at their external ends 31 by gluing, are positioned in the first ends 20 of two adjacent channels 2.

[0033] In the first embodiment of the trap in question, each pair of tongues 3 of the retaining device 30 can be held in position only thanks to the weight of the panel 1 on the bottom A3 of the hive A.

[0034] The tongues 3 are made of a sufficiently flexible material, such as to move away, as shown in [Fig. 6], when an Aethina tumida at advances into the channel 2 and to close after its passage.

[0035] Refer now to [Fig. 7] which is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectioned view of the second embodiment of the trap inserted into a hive.

[0036] The panel 1 is arranged in contact with the lower end of a mobile wall Pm placed inside a hive A parallel to an end frame (not shown) and to a right side wall Al of the hive A. The channels 2 are adjacent to the bottom A3 of the hive A so as to allow the entry of the Aethina tumida at but not that of the bee a. The trap in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention can be extracted from the hive A through a slit A4 made in the right side wall Al of the hive A. In the embodiment of [Fig. 7] it is appropriate that each retaining device 30 is held in position by means of an adhesive substance that joins the edge of the retaining device 30 to the partition wall 12 of the panel 1. To eliminate the Aethina tumida the trap according to the invention can be subjected to a freezing treatment.

[0037] With reference to [Fig. 8], a third embodiment of the trap for Aethina tumida according to the invention is shown. In this figure and in the following ones, the same reference numbers as in the previous figures, relating to the first and second embodiment, are used. The trap consists of a panel 1 having opposite sheets 10 and 11 parallel to each other and a multiplicity of partition walls 12, between the sheet 10 and the sheet 11, so as to form channels 2. Conveniently, also in this third embodiment, at least one of the opposite sheets 10 and 11 is opaque, or painted with a black paint so that the trap delimits a dark environment inside it. Advantageously, the sheet 10 facing the hive frames is opaque or painted black.

[0038] Each channel 2 has a first end 20 and a second end 21, opposite the first end 20.

[0039] In each first end 20 and in each second end 21 of the channel, a tongue 3 is positioned, having an external end 31 and an internal end 32, where “external” and “internal” refer to the position of the tongue with respect to the channel. Conveniently, the tongues 3 are joined in pairs to form a retaining device indicated by 30. The tongues 3 of the retaining device 30 form a dihedral so as to have the external ends 31 joined to each other with the edge of the dihedral in contact with a first partition wall 12, and the internal ends 32 abutting with adjacent partition walls 12. The retaining device 30 is held in position by the weight of the panel, or by the elastic contrast with the adjacent wall, or by means of an adhesive substance. The tongues 3 are made of a material capable of flexing under the thrust of the Aethina tumida to allow it to advance into the channel, as shown below.

[0040] In [Fig. 8] it is shown that the retaining devices 30 are in contact with the first partition wall 12 at its opposite ends 7 and 8 so that the Aethina tumida can enter the opening 20 or 21 of a channel 2 and remain inside between the pair of retaining devices 30.

[0041] Refer now to Figures 9 and 10, which are a perspective view, partially cut away, of a fourth embodiment of a trap according to the invention arranged horizontally and, respectively, a plan view from above, partially cut away of the trap of [Fig. 9] with the parasite entering.

[0042] The panel, indicated generally as 100, has partially removed partition walls at their ends so that each retaining device 30 is held in a recessed position relative to the opposite sheets 10, 11. In this way, the Aethina tumida is more encouraged to enter the trap, having an antechamber 13 represented by the area in which the partition walls 12 are partially removed.

[0043] Refer now to [Fig. 11] which is a partially cut-away top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the trap according to the invention with the parasite entering. [Fig. 11] bears the same reference numbers as [Fig. 10] from which it differs in that the partition walls 12 of the panel 110 are not removed at their ends but are provided with a cut 15 for the insertion of the retaining devices 30. This form of trap could be more efficient than that of the third and fourth embodiments because its channels 2 would be less susceptible to being clogged by the bees' production of propolis with a consequent reduction in the effectiveness of the trap.

[0044] Furthermore, the representation of the Aethina tumida entering from the opposite ends of the channels shows that parasites can converge from multiple sides in the trap.

[0045] With reference to [Fig. 12], which is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a sixth embodiment of a trap according to the invention arranged horizontally, a panel 120 is shown for a trap similar to that of the third and fourth embodiments but provided with a transverse opening 14, obtained in the partition walls 12, which connects the channels 2 of the panel. Thanks to the transverse opening 14, the parasites can distribute themselves more uniformly in the trap, using the passage constituted by the transverse opening, thus increasing the operating duration of the trap.

[0046] The Aethina tumida is forced to enter the trap, forcing a tongue. This occurs through various possible actions, acting in synergy or individually. Such actions can be repellent, such as negative phototropism by solar or artificial light or with the use of natural or synthetic substances; the actions can be attractive, thanks to substances, such as pheromones or food for the parasite, positioned inside the trap channels.

[0047] The Aethina tumida enters the trap and cannot go back due to the mechanical action of the tongues. It cannot exit at the opposite end of the channel because it finds a tongue 30 opposite to the previously bent tongue.

[0048] Inside the trap, insecticides or biocides of a different nature could also be provided, for example biological / organic or synthetic.

[0049] In addition to the positions already foreseen for the trap with respect to the hive, as an alternative to the mobile wall, the trap can be placed on the mobile wall, occupyingall or part of its surface, or in any other place in the hive, inside it, for example in the bottom drawer or in the thickness of the hive, for example in the wood, or outside the hive.

[0050] The dimensions of the trap can also be different from those mentioned above to take into account the different needs, the type of beekeeping, the beekeeping material available, as well as the size of the Aethina tumida in different territories.

Claims

Claims

1. 1. A trap for Aethina tumida (at) usable in a hive (A), comprising an panel made up of opposite sheets (10, 11) and a multiplicity of partition walls (12), which have opposite ends (7, 8) and are arranged along parallel planes between said opposite sheets (10, 11) to form corresponding channels (2), each channel having a first end (20) and a second end (21) that is opposite to the first end (20), characterised in that positioned in each channel (2) is at least one tongue (3) capable of bending under the thrust of an Aethina tumida (at) to allow the Aethina tumida (at) to advance into the channel (2) and to close the passage behind it, the tongue (3) having one end (31) joined to one of said partition walls (12).

2. 2. The trap according to claim 1, wherein two tongues (3) are joined in a retaining device (30) forming a dihedral suitable for being positioned in two channels (2), being adjacent, on at least one of the two opposite ends (7, 8) of a partition wall (12), such retaining device (30) being intersected by the plane of the partition wall (12).

3. 3. The trap according to claim 2, wherein each retaining device(30) is adapt to be retained to the partition wall (12) in virtue of the weight of the panel (1).

4. 4. The trap according to claim 2, wherein the retaining device (30) is suitable for being retained by using an adhesive substance for gluing the two tongues to the partition wall (12).

5. 5. The trap according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said opposite sheets (10, 11) is made opaque by a means chosen between the nature of the material and the dark painting.

6. 6. The trap according to claim 1, wherein each channel (2) has one of the two ends (20, 21) permanently closed.

7. 7. The trap according to claim 1, wherein two spaced, mirror- like opposite tongues (3) are positioned in each channel (2).

8. 8. The trap according to claim 2, wherein said partition walls (12) extend for the entire extension of the opposite sheets (10, 11).

9. 9. The trap according to claim 2, wherein said partition walls (12) extend for an extension smaller than that of the opposite sheets (10, 11).

10. 10. The trap according to claim 8, wherein said partition walls(12) have at least one cut (15) perpendicular to the opposite sheets (10, 11) for the insertion of a retaining device (30).

11. 11. The trap according to claim 1, wherein said partition walls(12) have consecutive transverse openings (14) suitable for putting consecutive channels (2) into communication.

12. 12. The trap according to claim 3, wherein each channel first end(20) is cut according to a predetermined angle with respect to one of said opposite sheets (10, 11).

13. 13. Use of the trap according to claim 12, wherein the trap is arranged inside a hive (A) between an end frame and a side wall (Al) of the hive, the channels (2) having a first end (20) which is in contact with the bottom (A3) of the hive and is cut angularly on the opposite side to said side wall (Al) of the hive.

14. 14. Use of a trap according to claim 4, wherein the trap is arranged in contact with the lower end of a movable wall (Pm) which is placed inside a hive (A) parallel to an end frame and to a side wall (Al) of the hive, the channels (2) being adjacent to the bottom (A3) of the hive.

15. 15. Use of a trap according to claim 4, wherein the trap is selectively arranged in one of the following positions:- inside the hive;- in the thickness of a wall of the hive;- outside the hive.

16. 16. Use of a trap according to claim 4, wherein the trap is selectively associated with one of the substances chosen from the group comprising repellent substances, attractive substances, insecticidal substances and biocides.

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