Tropilaelaps Mites

'Tropi' mites, like varroa, jumped species to the western honeybee, and are moving westwards from asia. The mites are smaller and more formidable than varroa, reproducing more quickly, carrying different strains of viruses, and able to survive on alternative hosts.

Relatively little is known about the mite, or the risk they pose to agriculture and bee ecosystems. Researchers are urgently working to fully understand how the mites spread, over winter in a temperate climate, and how to contain and treat for the threat they pose.

Impact on honey bee colonies

Infested colonies show signs of brood damage, deformed adults, and reduced population strength. As feeding wounds weaken pupae, secondary infections and viruses can spread quickly. Heavy infestations can cause colony collapse within weeks if untreated.

Field studies suggest that Tropilaelaps reproduces faster than Varroa, making population growth difficult to control once established.

What are Tropilaelaps?

The tropilaelaps mite is an exotic parasitic mites that affect honey bees. They are smaller and faster-moving than Varroa Destructor which makes them difficult to spot. They cause similar - and often more severe - damage to brood.

Originating in Asia, they have adapted to parasitise both the Asian honey bee (Apis dorsata and Apis cerana) and, more lately as the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) has been reintroduced by beekeepers into the region.

The mites are not currently present in the UK or most of Western Europe, but their range since the 1050's is expanding east to west across Asia and into parts of Eastern Europe. Understanding their biology and behaviour is essential for early detection and prevention.