Discovery of Aphid Lethal Paralysis Virus in and in China.

Honey bees are essential to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, despite no single factor being blamed for losses of honey bee colonies in Europe and the USA, viruses have been considered as a major driver. Moreover, a virus vector can enhance the titer and virulence of virus such as can change the virulence of the deformed wing virus. Here, we report molecular evidence for aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV) infecting , which is an important predator of honey bees, especially of . Viral replication and phylogenetic analysis indicated that ALPV can not only replicate in and , but ALPV from (ALPV-Ac) was also significantly associated with that of (ALPV-Vv), though distinct from those of (ALPV-Am). The host state posterior probability displayed that is the main viral reservoir between and . Our results show ALPV had expanded host diversity resulting in potential impacts on the health of pollinators, even on the pollination ecosystem. We suggest further studies should investigate potential risks and impacts on pollinator populations of hornets. These results should have an impact conservation efforts focused on sustaining native pollinator abundance and diversity, and therefore, the crucial ecosystem services that they provide.