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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » Carl Hayden Bee Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #281294
Title: Standard methods for tracheal mite research

Author
item Sammataro, Diana
item De Guzman, Lilia
item GEORGE, SHERLY - Ministry Of Agriculture And Forestry (MAF)
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/21/2013
Publication Date: 9/1/2013
Citation: Sammataro, D., De Guzman, L.I., George, S., Ochoa, R. 2013. Standard methods for tracheal mite research. In: Dietemann, V., Ellis, J.D, Neumann, P., editors. COLOSS Beebook: Volume II: Standard Metholds for Apis melilifera pest and pathogen research. United Kingdom:IBRA Publications. p. 1-20. Available: http://www.ibra.org.uk/articles/Standard-methods-for-tracheal-mite-research.

Interpretive Summary: This chapter, for the COLOSS Beebook from the Bee Research Center in Switzerland, summarizes all the current information about the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) infesting honey bees (Apis mellifera). The chapter covers the effects on bees, its life history, and its range, as well as the identification of the three Acarapis species. The chapter also includes extensive information on bee sampling methods to detect this endoparasite. It summarizes how and when to collect bees for dissection and the different techniques used. These methods include microscopic detection, the thoracic disk technique, and some serological methods, including ELISA and the newer molecular methods. The final topic covers how to control Acarapis, discussing the currently-used methods to restrict mite populations. The tracheal mite can re-appear in apiaries that are not using regular treatments for the Varroa mites.

Technical Abstract: This chapter, for the COLOSS Beebook from the Bee Research Center in Switzerland, summarizes all the current information about the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) infesting honey bees (Apis mellifera). The chapter covers the effects on bees, its life history, and its range, as well as the identification of the three Acarapis species. The chapter also includes extensive information on bee sampling methods to detect this endoparasite. It summarizes how and when to collect bees for dissection and the different techniques used. These methods include microscopic detection, the thoracic disk technique, and some serological methods, including ELISA and the newer molecular methods. The final topic covers how to control Acarapis, discussing the currently-used methods to restrict mite populations. The tracheal mite can re-appear in apiaries that are not using regular treatments for the Varroa mites.