What symptom is often associated with Deformed Wing Virus?

Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) primarily affects adult honey bees, leading to noticeable physical deformities, particularly in their wings. One of the hallmark symptoms of this viral infection is the presence of deformed or shriveled wings, which severely impacts the bee's ability to fly and forage effectively. The bloated abdomen symptom arises from the virus's effects on the bee's physiology, as infected bees may struggle with digestion and overall health, which can lead to abnormal swelling.

This symptom is a clear indicator of health issues within a bee colony and is significant in diagnosing DWV. Other options, such as increased foraging or the production of more honey, may generally describe healthy colony behavior but do not align with the physiological impact of a viral infection like DWV. Normal wing structure would indicate a healthy bee and is contrary to the effects of Deformed Wing Virus. Hence, the presence of bloated abdomens serves as a significant marker that can alert beekeepers to the presence of the virus among their bees.