Tropilaelaps mite information for beekeepers
Tropilaelaps mites, which are sometimes referred to as “tropi mites,” can parasitize various species of honey bees, including Apis mellifera, the Western honey bee. Apis mellifera is currently the only species of honey bee found and managed in the United States. Tropilaelaps mites originate from Asia, but according to "Featured Creatures Tropilaelaps mite" and "First report of established mite populations, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, in Europe," they have been reported in Papua New Guinea, Kenya and Russia. As of October 2024, Tropilaelaps mites are not known to be in North America. Tropilaelaps mites harm honey bees by feeding on developing bees, which can lead to shorter bee lifespans and vectoring viruses, including deformed wing virus.
Many apiary inspectors, researchers, extension educators and honey bee organizations are investing time and effort in learning about Tropilaelaps mites and sharing educational resources. The Apiary Inspectors of America, Auburn University, Honey Bee Health Coalition, Pollinator Partnership, Project Apis m., U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service released a Tropilaelaps fact sheet that describes the mite’s life cycle, what the mite looks like, and what to do if you suspect the mite in your honey bee colonies.
Resources and additional information on Tropilaelaps mites
- Tropilaelaps fact sheet – Apiary Inspectors of America, Auburn University, Honey Bee Health Coalition, Pollinator Partnership, Project Apis m., U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
- Tropi STOP webpage – Pollinator Partnership and partners
- Tropilaelaps: What Beekeepers Need to Know – webinar recording with Samuel Ramsey
- Tropilaelaps the WORST mite of HONEY BEES – video with Humberto Boncristiani from Inside the Hive TV
- Tropilaelaps Infestation of Honey Bees – case definition publication by U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Tropilaelaps spp. – publication by University of Florida
- Varroa mite and Tropilaelaps mite – slide from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- 2024 Tropilaelaps Training in Thailand Trailer – video from Project Apis m.
- Featured Creatures Tropilaelaps mite – publication from University of Florida
- First report of established mite populations, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, in Europe – publication from Journal of Apicultural Research
Acknowledgements
This article was published in collaboration with the Managed Pollinator Protection Working Group.
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Crop Protection and Pest Management Program through the North Central IPM Center (2018-70006-28883 and 2022-70006-38001).
