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Published on: August 26, 2020
Behavior of varroa mites in worker brood cells of Africanized honey bees
Rafael A Calderón1, Natalia Fallas, Luis G Zamora
1Centro de Investigaciones Apícolas Tropicales, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica. rcalder@una.ac.cr
Abstract:
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is currently the most important pest of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Because mite reproduction occurs within the sealed cell, the direct observation of varroa activity inside the cell is difficult. A video observation method using transparent polystyrol cells containing infested brood was used to analyze the behavior of varroa mites in worker brood of Africanized honey bees. We recorded how mites feed on the larva and pupa, construct a fecal accumulation site and how the bee larva carried out some longitudinal movements around the cell. The feeding activity of the foundress mite varies during the course of the cycle. On the prepupa mites were found to feed often (0.3 +/- 0.2 bouts h(-1)) for a period of 8.7 +/- 8.4 min h(-1) and there was no preference for a specific segment as feeding site. On the opposite, during the pupal stage mites fed less often (0.1 +/- 0.1 bouts h(-1)) for a period of 6.2 +/- 4.0 min h(-1) and almost always at a particular site (92.4%). On pupa, 83.7% of the feeding was on the 2nd abdominal segment (n = 92), and only few perforations were found on the thorax. Varroa shows a preference for defecation in the posterior part of the cell (cell apex), close to the bee's anal zone. We found a high correlation between the position of the feeding site on the pupa and the position of the fecal accumulation on the cell wall. Most infested cells have only one fecal accumulation site and it was the favorite resting site for the mite, where it spent 24.3 +/- 3.9 min h(-1). Longitudinal displacements were observed in 28.0% (n = 25) of the analyzed bee larvae. Turning movements around the cell, from the bottom to the top, were carried out by these larvae, mainly during the second day (47.7 +/- 22.5 min h(-1)), just before pupation, with a total time of 874.9 +/- 262.2 min day(-1) (n = 7 individuals). These results in worker brood of Africanized bees demonstrate adaptations of varroa mites to parasitizing the developing bee inside the capped brood cells.
Insights
Varroa destructor mites, a major honey bee pest, exhibit specific feeding and defecation behaviors within capped brood cells of Africanized honey bees. These adaptations allow effective parasitism of developing bees, impacting honey bee health.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Entomology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Varroa destructor is the most significant ectoparasitic pest affecting honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- Understanding mite behavior within sealed brood cells is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Direct observation of mite activity inside brood cells has been challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the behavior of Varroa destructor mites within worker brood cells of Africanized honey bees.
- To investigate mite feeding patterns, fecal accumulation, and resting behavior.
- To observe honey bee larva movements within the brood cell.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a video observation method with transparent polystyrol cells containing infested honey bee brood.
- Recorded and analyzed mite feeding bouts, duration, and location on developing bees.
- Documented mite defecation sites, resting periods, and honey bee larval movements.
Main Results:
- Varroa mites fed more frequently and for longer durations on prepupae than on pupae.
- Feeding on pupae showed a strong preference for the second abdominal segment.
- Mites consistently defecated in the posterior part of the cell, correlating with feeding sites, and used these areas as resting sites.
Conclusions:
- Varroa mites display specific behavioral adaptations for parasitizing developing honey bees within capped brood.
- The observed feeding and defecation patterns suggest strategies for maximizing nutrient intake and minimizing detection.
- Understanding these behaviors in Africanized honey bees provides insights into mite-host interactions and potential control targets.
