Bee Mite ID: Bee-associated mite genera of the world

Authors: KILMOV, PAVEL - University Of Michigan; OCONNOR, BARRY - University Of Michigan; Ochoa, Ronald - Ron; Bauchan, Gary; REDFORD, A. - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA); SCHER, J. - University Of Colorado

Submitted to: USDA APHIS Identification Technology Program (ITP)
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2016
Publication Date: 10/31/2016
Citation: Kilmov, P., Oconnor, B.M., Ochoa, R., Bauchan, G.R., Redford, A., Scher, J. 2016. Bee Mite ID: Bee-associated mite genera of the world. USDA APHIS Identification Technology Program (ITP). 1(2016):350.

Interpretive Summary: Bees play a crucial role in U.S. agriculture as pollinators of many important crops. This interactive web based identification tool aims to help identify mites that may be found on bees and in their nests. In addition, it will help distinguish harmless mites from those that might harm bees or their colonies. The searchable image gallery of over 850 mite images makes it possible to compare images from multiple types of mites. This web site covers bee-associated mite genera from around the world, with an emphasis on those associated with important pollinators, including honey bees, mason bees, and bumble bees in temperate regions, and stingless bees and large carpenter bees in the tropics. This interactive key will be useful to bee keepers, scientists, extension agents, and quarantine officers worldwide.

Technical Abstract: Bee Mite ID contains an interactive key, fact sheets, an image gallery, and abundant supporting information. The interactive key allows you to choose characters to obtain a list of mite genera possibly matching your specimen. Consult fact sheets to find images and information for a particular mite genus, including its harmfulness rating, diagnostic characters, and information about its bee hosts and the biology of their association. Use the filterable image gallery of over 850 mite images to compare images from multiple taxa. A number of the components of this tool were specifically designed to help non-experts. Mite identification generally relies on microscopic characters, so slide-mounted specimens are usually required. In order to use this tool's key, fact sheets, and image gallery effectively, consult the preparation and photography page to learn how to slide-mount mites. There are also seven quick reference guides showing mites that disperse on the seven bee genera most often used for pollination. Many of these mites can be distinguished by shape without a compound microscope; see the quick reference page for tips on using these guides. The glossary provides definitions of mite terminology and is illustrated. It is supplemented by a mite morphology page that provides an overview, specifics on setae, solenidia, and suckers, and ways to determine sex. See the life stages page to learn even more about mites, and the bee morphology page, which points out bee body features referred to throughout the tool.