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Biology & Life Cycle of the Tropilaelaps Mite
Biology & Life Cycle of the Tropilaelaps Mite
The Tropilaelaps mite is a rapidly reproducing parasitic mite that develops within the brood of honey bees.
Originally found on giant Asian honey bees, it can also exploit Apis mellifera, the European honey bee.
This section of tropilaelaps.com explores its anatomy, reproduction, and behaviour — knowledge that helps beekeepers monitor, predict and limit its spread.
Courtesy The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Crown Copyright
Anatomy & Identification
Anatomy & Identification
Tropilaelaps mites are small (0.7–1.0 mm), reddish-brown, and fast-moving compared with Varroa destructor.
Their oval bodies and long legs allow them to run swiftly across comb surfaces.
They are most often found on brood combs rather than adult bees.
Identification notes:
Identification notes:
Elongated body; smooth dorsal plate
Legs extend beyond body margin
Adult females larger than males
Visible mites often scurrying across uncapped brood
Species confirmed by DNA or microscope:
T. clareae, T. mercedesae, T. koenigerum, T. thaii
(Source: Bee Aware Australia 2018; De Guzman et al., J. Econ. Entomol. 2017)
Reproductive Biology
Reproductive Biology
Female mites enter a honey bee brood cell just before capping. Inside the sealed cell, they lay several eggs that hatch within a day.
The immature mites feed on the developing bee, moult twice, and reach adulthood before the bee emerges.
Mating occurs inside the cell, and fertilised females exit with the newly emerged bee to find another brood cell within 1–2 days.
Key facts:
Egg-to-adult development ≈ 6 days
Survival without brood ≤ 2 days
Reproduction continuous in colonies with year-round brood
(References: Nature Scientific Reports 2024; Bee Aware Australia 2018)
Life Cycle Summary
Life Cycle Summary
The complete life cycle of Tropilaelaps can occur in less than one week — one of the fastest among honey-bee parasites.
Typical cycle under tropical conditions:
Egg → Adult mite ≈ 6 days
Mated female survival on adult bee ≈ 2 days
Generation time ≈ 7–8 days
Key traits:
Key traits:
Entirely brood-dependent
Very short adult (phoretic) phase
Rapid reproduction allows explosive growth
Brood interruption is an effective natural check
(References: De Guzman et al. 2017; Anses EURL Bee Health 2025)
Developmental Stages
Developmental Stages
Within a capped brood cell, Tropilaelaps mites pass through these stages:
The egg matures in under a day after it has been laid on bee larva just after cell capping
The larva (Proto-nymph) had a duration of 1–2 day and the larva begins feeding on bee tissue
During the he nymph (Deutonymph) stage of 2–3 days there is rapid growth
The adult mite stage requires 1 to 2 days, the mite mates and exits with cell with adult bee
Without capped brood, the cycle halts — an important ecological weakness for natural control.
(References: De Guzman et al. 2017; Anses EURL 2025)
Courtesy The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Crown Copyright
Behaviour & Feeding
Behaviour & Feeding
Tropilaelaps mites feed by piercing soft areas of bee pupae and consuming hemolymph and fat body.
The damage causes:
Death of developing brood
Malformed adults (e.g., wing or leg deformities)
Reduced adult longevity
Transmission of different strains of bee viruses such as DWV
They are extremely mobile and quickly locate new brood cells once adults emerge.
Colonies with uninterrupted brood are especially at risk.
(References: Bee Aware Australia 2018; PubMed 28334185)
Further Reading & Sources:
Further Reading & Sources:
De Guzman L.I. et al. (2017). Ecology, Life History, and Management of Tropilaelaps Mites. J. Econ. Entomol. PubMed 28334185
Franco S., Laurent M., Duquesne V. (2025). Geographical Spread of the Exotic Mite Tropilaelaps spp. EURL Bee Health, Anses.
Tropilaelaps Mites. Bee Aware Australia (2024 update). beeaware.org.au
National Bee Unit UK (2017). Tropilaelaps Mites – Advisory Leaflet.
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