Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of tracheal mite just inside of a trachea
Mites are spread within the colony as a result of bee to bee contact. Mature, adult female
mites leave the breathing tube through openings on the exterior of the bee body and climb to the tip of an adjacent
body hair. As bees come in contact with one another, the mites attach themselves to the body hairs of a passing
bee and enter the tracheae through the thoracic spiracles (tracheal opening). Bees less than 4 days old are the
most susceptible.
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