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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Systematic Entomology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345030
Research Project: Plant Feeding Mite (Acari) Systematics

Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Title: Bee Mite ID - an online resource on identification of mites associated with bees of the World

Author
item KLIMOV, PAVEL - University Of Michigan
item O'CONNER, BARRY - University Of Michigan
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron
item Bauchan, Gary
item SCHER, J. - Colorado Department Of Agriculture

Submitted to: Journal of the Acarological Society of Japan
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2017
Publication Date: 5/25/2017
Citation: Klimov, P., O'Conner, B.M., Ochoa, R., Bauchan, G.R., Scher, J. 2017. Bee Mite ID - an online resource on identification of mites associated with bees of the World. Journal of the Acarological Society of Japan. 26(1):25-26.

Interpretive Summary: Bees play a crucial role in U.S. agriculture as pollinators of many important crops. This article addressed the new interactive web based identification tool aims to help identify mites that may be found on bees and in their nests. In addition, the bee-mite web site 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: Parasitic mites are known to be a factor in recent declines in bee pollinator populations. In particular, Varroa destructor, an introduced parasite and disease vector, has decimated colonies of the western honey bee, one of the most important agricultural pollinators in the world. Further, global trade in alternative pollinators increases the likelihood of moving mites, so there is a potential for more Varroa-style invasions.