European foulbrood primarily affects which stage of honey bees?

European foulbrood is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius, which primarily targets the larval stage of honey bees. The infection typically occurs in older larvae, specifically those that are less than 3 days old, when they are still in their brood cells. The bacteria disrupt the normal development of larvae, leading to their death and resulting in a characteristic foul smell coming from the infected brood.

Understanding the lifecycle of honey bees is crucial in recognizing the impact of European foulbrood. It does not affect adult bees directly, nor is it related to pollen storage or honey production, which are more associated with adult bees and the functioning of the hive. The focus on the larval stage emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of this disease to maintain hive health and productivity.