Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:19
A 3D Printed Pollen Trap for Bumble Bee (Bombus) Hive Entrances
Published on: July 9, 2020
[Macrocheles sp. (Acarina: Macrochelidae) found on a bumble bee]
A Onur Girişgin1, Ender Güleğen, Oya Girişgin
1Uludağ Universitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Parazitoloji Anabilim Dali, Bursa, Turkey. onurgirisgin@gmail.com
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi
|December 13, 2006
Summary
Parasitic mites from the genus Macrocheles sp. were identified on bumble bees in Turkey for the first time. This discovery highlights a new host-parasite interaction for this widespread mite genus.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Entomology
- Parasitology
Context:
- Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are crucial pollinators worldwide.
- Acarina, specifically the genus Macrocheles, are known ectoparasites or phoretic associates of various arthropods.
- Previous research has documented Macrocheles mites on diverse insect hosts, but not specifically on bumble bees in Turkey.
Purpose:
- To identify and report the presence of an acarine mite on a bumble bee specimen collected in Turkey.
- To determine the taxonomic classification of the identified mite.
- To document a novel host-parasite association within the Acarina order.
Summary:
- A female arthropod was identified as an acarine mite belonging to the genus Macrocheles sp. (Macrochelidae).
- The mite was found ectoparasitically or phoretically associated with a bumble bee.
- This represents the first documented instance of Macrocheles mites parasitizing or associating with bumble bees in Turkey.
Impact:
- Expands the known host range for the genus Macrocheles.
- Provides baseline data for future ecological and epidemiological studies on mite-bumble bee interactions in Turkey.
- Contributes to the understanding of arthropod biodiversity and host-parasite dynamics in the region.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Pollination and Flower Structure
Flowers are the reproductive, seed-producing structures of angiosperms. Typically, flowers consist of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. Sepals and petals are the vegetative flower organs. Stamens and carpels are the reproductive organs.
00:53Migration
Migration is long-range, seasonal movement from one region or habitat to another. This common strategy, carried out by many different organisms around the world, is an adaptive response that typically corresponds to changes in an organism’s environment, like resource availability or climate. Migrations can involve huge groups of thousands of animals as well as single individuals traveling alone and can range from thousands of kilometers to just a few hundred meters.