An external parasitic mite (Varroa destructor) of honey bees that feeds on the fat body of adult and developing bees and transmits several damaging bee viruses, and that is considered the single greatest driver of honey bee colony losses worldwide since it spread from its original Asian honey bee host to the western honey bee in the twentieth century. It has been implicated as a major contributing factor in colony collapse disorder and remains the central pest that commercial and hobbyist beekeepers must manage every season.
Facts
Connections
Associated With
The Varroa mite is the single most damaging parasite of western honey bee colonies worldwide.
Caused By Agent Kind
In the Other Atlases
Originated In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Varroa Mite (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening definition paragraph
Varroa destructor, the Varroa mite, is an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees and is one of the most damaging honey bee pests in the world. A significant mite infestation leads to the death of a honey bee colony, usually in the late autumn through early spring. Without management for Varroa mite, honey bee colonies typically collapse within 2 to 3 years in temperate climates.
lead description
An external parasitic mite (Varroa destructor) of honey bees that feeds on the fat body of adult and developing bees and transmits several damaging bee viruses, and that is considered the single greatest driver of honey bee colony losses worldwide since it spread from its original Asian honey bee host to the western honey bee in the twentieth century.
In Group: Honey Bee Parasites and Pests, Lead
Varroa destructor, the Varroa mite, is an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees and is one of the most damaging honey bee pests in the world.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.