What is the name of the bee mite? - briefly
The primary parasite of honey bees is the mite Varroa destructor. It is an external parasite that feeds on bee hemolymph and reproduces within brood cells.
What is the name of the bee mite? - in detail
The parasitic mite that attacks the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is scientifically named Varroa destructor. It belongs to the family Varroidae, order Mesostigmata, and is an external ectoparasite that feeds on hemolymph and fat bodies of both adult bees and developing pupae.
Varroa destructor’s biology:
- Adult females are 1.1–1.6 mm long, reddish‑brown, and oval‑shaped.
- Males are smaller, translucent, and do not feed on hosts.
- Reproduction occurs inside sealed brood cells; a fertilized female lays 4–5 eggs, the first becoming a male, the next three females.
- The life cycle from egg to adult takes about 9 days at 34 °C, after which emerging mites attach to adult workers or nurse bees.
Other bee‑associated mites of economic relevance include:
- Tropilaelaps mercedesae – a tropical species that reproduces in brood cells and can cause rapid colony collapse in Asia.
- Acarapis woodi – the tracheal mite that inhabits the respiratory system of honey bees, primarily in temperate regions.
Impact on colonies:
- Direct loss of hemolymph weakens individual bees, reducing lifespan and foraging efficiency.
- Transmission of viruses such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) amplifies morbidity.
- Heavy infestations can lead to colony collapse within months if untreated.
Detection methods:
- Alcohol wash: collect a sample of ~300 bees, agitate in ethanol, count mites under a microscope.
- Sugar roll: coat bees with powdered sugar, shake to dislodge mites, then count.
- Sticky boards: place a board under the hive entrance for 24 h to capture falling mites.
Control strategies:
- Chemical treatments – synthetic acaricides (e.g., fluvalinate, amitraz) applied according to rotation schedules to prevent resistance.
- Organic acids – oxalic acid vaporization or formic acid strips, effective against phoretic mites.
- Biotechnical methods – brood interruption (removing capped brood for 2 weeks) to break the reproductive cycle.
- Breeding – selecting for hygienic behavior and Varroa‑resistant traits such as grooming and varroa‑sensitive hygiene (VSH).
Monitoring frequency should be at least monthly during the active season, with treatment thresholds set at 3 % infestation (approximately 10 mites per 300‑bee sample). Continuous surveillance and integrated pest management are essential to maintain colony health and productivity.