Varroa and DWV. Deformed wing virus (DWV) causes crumpled wings when bees are infected with the virus during development (bee at center right). DWV is highly transmitted when the parasitic mite Varroa destructor feeds on pupae and adult honeybees; a varroa mite can be seen on the back of the bee in the center left. Credit: J. McCarthy (Louisiana State University). The ability to detect viruses and other harmful pathogens is highly advantageous for animals, as it can guide their behavior and prevent them from illness, and—in severe cases—death. When it comes to species that live in organized groups, such as bees, ants and some other insects, it can be even more crucial, as it can prevent the spread of pathogens across entire colonies. Past studies suggest that honeybees (Apis mellifera) can detect contamination in their surroundings from indirect cues, such as changes in smell or taste. Whether they can directly sense the presence of viruses outside of their body, however, remains poorly understood.…