A California scientist is tracking a parasite that turns bees into 'zombies'

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Feb 29, 2016

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A California scientist is tracking a parasite that turns bees into 'zombies'

A scientist at San Francisco State University first noticed the strange behvior, and is leading the effort to track the 'zombie bees.'

HOMESTEAD, FL - APRIL 10: Honey bees are seen at the J & P Apiary and Gentzel's Bees, Honey and Pollination Company on April 10, 2013 in Homestead, Florida. Honey bee owners along with scientists continue to try to figure out what is causing bees to succumb to the colony collapse disorder which has devastated apiaries around the country. Reports indicate that the disorder which kills off thousands of bees at a time has resulted in the loss of some 30 percent of honey bee populations among beekeepers since 2007. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A scientist at San Francisco State University first noticed the strange behvior, and is leading the effort to track the 'zombie bees.'

Maybe call them the "Flying Dead" of the insect world: A parasite is making honey bees act like zombies.

The so-called "zombie bees" caught the attention of entomologist John Hafernik at San Francisco State University a couple years ago. He has since been leading a citizen scientist effort, dubbed ZomBee Watch, to track the strange phenomenon across the country.

John Hafernik joined host A Martinez to tell more about how the parasite, and how its impacting the already-suffering population of honey bees in the United States.

To listen to the full interview, click on the blue audio player above.