Tropilaelaps mites

Tropilaelaps mite

Photo by Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

  • External parasitic mites that feed on the haemolymph of both drone and worker bee larvae, pupae and adult bees
  • Detection possible by close examination of brood or testing of adult bees
  • Symptoms include deformed pupae and adults (stunting, damaged wings, legs and abdomens), Parasitic Mite Syndrome and colony decline
  • Tropilaelaps mites can also spread viruses, further affecting the colony’s health and disease susceptibility

High priority pest of: Honey bees, Almonds, Apples and pears, Macadamias

Scientific name: Tropilaelaps clareae and Tropilaelaps mercedessae
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Mites (ACARI)

Pest Documents

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol