Nosema infections directly affect which stages of honey bee development?

Nosema infections primarily affect adult honey bees. The disease, caused by the microsporidian parasites Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, targets the digestive system of adult bees, leading to impaired digestive function and overall health. Adult bees are responsible for foraging, brood care, and keeping the hive clean, so an infection can have significant impacts on colony productivity and longevity.

While larval, pupal, and egg stages might experience various health threats, Nosema does not directly infect these earlier life stages. The primary infection occurs once bees have emerged as adults, making them more vulnerable to the effects of the disease as they begin to forage and interact with the colony environment. Thus, understanding that Nosema primarily impacts the adult stage helps beekeepers focus on management strategies to maintain the health of their colonies.