Spider Venom Peptides That Target Varroa—Without Harming Honeybees
Spider venom peptides Ht1a and Gg1a were identified as candidates that kill Varroa destructor mites while honeybees survive. Researchers screened 50 venoms, purified two active peptides, and evaluated safety and efficacy using topical lab assays—an approach aimed at overcoming acaricide resistance.