What is a significant field symptom of Colony Collapse Disorder?

A significant field symptom of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is characterized by the lack of dead adult bees found in the hive while still having honey present. This is a defining feature because CCD is identified by the sudden disappearance of the adult bee population. Unlike other issues that might affect bee colonies, such as pesticide poisoning or disease, CCD notably does not leave a significant number of dead bees behind for beekeepers to discover.

In CCD cases, beekeepers often find that their hives are abandoned with food stores intact, sometimes with an abundance of honey still present, which suggests that while the food resources are available, the adult bees have vanished. This contrasts sharply with other problems where there may be a clear presence of dead bees alongside a lack of resources.

Understanding this behavior helps beekeepers differentiate between CCD and other localized issues affecting hives, allowing them to make more informed decisions on hive management and potential intervention strategies.