Where does the Varroa mite come from? - briefly
The Varroa destructor mite originates from Southeast Asia, where it initially parasitised the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana). It later spread worldwide after switching to the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) via commercial beekeeping activities.
Where does the Varroa mite come from? - in detail
The parasitic mite known as Varroa destructor originated in the eastern Himalayas, where it co‑evolved with the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana. Genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA show a monophyletic lineage confined to this region, indicating a long‑term association with the native host.
During the mid‑20th century, commercial beekeeping introduced A. mellifera colonies into Asia for pollination and honey production. The mite exploited the new host’s weaker defensive behaviors, establishing a viable reproductive cycle. From this point, the parasite spread westward through the movement of infected colonies, queen shipments, and beekeeping equipment.
Key phases of global dissemination include:
- 1950s‑1960s: Initial reports of mite infestations in Japan and Taiwan, linked to imported A. mellifera stocks.
- 1970s‑1980s: Expansion into Europe via trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.
- 1990s‑2000s: Arrival in North America through commercial apiaries and beekeeping conferences; subsequent establishment in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Phylogenetic studies reveal two major haplotypes, “K” and “J,” each associated with distinct geographic spread patterns. The “K” type dominates in Europe and the United States, while the “J” type is prevalent in East Asia and parts of Africa.
Human activity remains the primary driver of distribution. Transport of colonies, exchange of brood frames, and inadequate quarantine measures facilitated the mite’s rapid colonization of new territories. Natural dispersal across continents is negligible because the mite cannot survive long without a host bee.
In summary, the Varroa parasite emerged in the Himalayas alongside the Asian honey bee, then leveraged global apicultural trade to colonize the western honey bee worldwide. Its spread reflects a combination of host shift, genetic adaptation, and extensive anthropogenic movement of bee colonies.