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Title: The Tropilaelaps mites threat: An examination of the injuries inflicted on Apis mellifera

Author
item PHOKASEM, PATCHARIN - Chiang Mai University
item De Guzman, Lilia
item Frake, Amanda
item KHONGPHINITBUNJONG, KITIPHONG - Mae Fah Luan University
item CHANTAWANNAKUL, PANUWAN - Chiang Mai University

Submitted to: Bee World
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2018
Publication Date: 4/17/2018
Citation: Phokasem, P., De Guzman, L.I., Frake, A.M., Khongphinitbunjong, K., Chantawannakul, P. 2018. The Tropilaelaps mites threat: An examination of the injuries inflicted on Apis mellifera. American Bee Research Conference Proceedings. 95(2):47-72. 10.1080/0005772X.2018.1450208.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2018.1450208

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Tropilaelaps spp. are the most serious parasites of Apis mellifera in Asia. However, much of their biology and ecology are largely unexplored (de Guzman et al., 2017 J. Econ. Entomol. 1-14). Like varroa mites, tropilaelaps mites puncture through the integuments of their bee hosts to feed on hemolymph. In this study, we examined the types of injury inflicted by Tropilaelaps mercedesae on different stages of A. mellifera in Northern Thailand. We report here for the first time that these mites feed on unsealed larval stages of honey bees. Tropilaelaps mites are reported to have short survival outside capped brood cells (Rinderer et al., 1994 J. Apic. Res. 33: 171-174). Thus, this ability of tropilaelaps mites to feed on unsealed brood may increase their survival when no suitable host for infestation is available, and may also contribute to their successful reproduction. Unlike varroa mites that inflict 1-2 large wounds (Kanbar & Engels, 2004 Apidologie 35: 25-29), tropilaelaps mites cause multiple wounds especially on larval stages (see figure). Tropilaelaps mites are vectors of deformed wing virus (Khongphinitbunjong et al., 2015 J. Apic. Res. 54: 40-47). Hence, transmission of pathogens and secondary infections may commence early during the bee’s life, which may contribute to shortened lifespan of adult bees. In addition to wing deformation, injuries were observed on different parts of the bees’ body including the mouthparts, legs, abdomen, thorax and antennae (see figure), which may significantly accelerate death or removal of these injured bees from the colonies by house bees.