What happens to honey bees affected by deformed wing virus?

Honey bees that are affected by the deformed wing virus experience malformations in their wings, which results in their loss of flying ability. The virus disrupts the normal development of the bees, particularly during the pupal stage, leading to physical deformities. These deformations usually manifest as crumpled or shortened wings, making it difficult or impossible for the affected bees to take flight. This inability to fly restricts their ability to forage for nectar and pollen, ultimately impacting the overall health and productivity of the colony.

The other options, while they might be plausible in different contexts, do not accurately reflect the consequences of this viral infection on honey bees. For instance, honey production does not increase as a result of this virus; in fact, it typically diminishes due to the compromised health of the affected bees. Similarly, the virus does not make bees more aggressive or enhance their immune systems; instead, it weakens the colony's overall resilience to other diseases and environmental stresses.