How to identify a tick on bees? - briefly
Inspect bees under magnification for tiny, oval, dark parasites attached to the abdomen or thorax, showing a smooth, shell‑like body and visible leg attachment points. These characteristics distinguish the mite from pollen or other debris.
How to identify a tick on bees? - in detail
Ticks on bees are small, parasitic arachnids that attach to the thorax or abdomen. Their presence can be confirmed through visual inspection, tactile assessment, and microscopic examination.
First, examine the bee’s dorsal surface under adequate lighting. Ticks appear as rounded, slightly raised bodies ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm in length. Their coloration varies from light brown to dark reddish, often matching the bee’s cuticle, which makes them difficult to spot without careful observation. Look for:
- Small, oval protrusions that do not move independently of the bee.
- A distinct “cap” or shield covering the front part of the parasite (the scutum).
- A pair of elongated mouthparts (chelicerae) extending toward the bee’s exoskeleton.
Second, use a fine-tipped brush or a soft paintbrush to gently sweep the bee’s back. A tick will remain attached while loose debris is removed. If a specimen detaches, capture it with a pipette for further analysis.
Third, place the suspected organism on a microscope slide with a drop of ethanol. Under 40–100× magnification, a tick shows:
- Eight legs arranged in four pairs.
- A hardened dorsal shield (idiosoma) with visible grooves.
- Internal structures such as the gnathosoma (mouthparts) and a posterior anus.
Finally, confirm identification by comparing the specimen to taxonomic keys for common bee parasites, such as Varroa destructor (though technically a mite) and true tick species like Ixodidae that occasionally infest hive insects. Key differentiators include the number of legs (ticks have eight; mites may have fewer visible) and the presence of a scutum.
By following systematic visual, tactile, and microscopic steps, one can reliably detect and differentiate ticks on bees, enabling timely management actions.