The effect of the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor on adult worker honeybee (Apis mellifera) emergence weights, water, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels

摘要: Wet weight, dry weight and water contents of emerging honeybees (Apis mellifera L. [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) infested with the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson) (Acari: Varroidae) were all negatively correlated increasing numbers mites. It was estimated that for every female present during bees' development, host would lose three percent its body water. Parasitised bees also emerged lower head abdomen concentrations protein abdominal carbohydrate concentrations. Lipid not detectably affected by V. infestation. The losses metabolic reserves not, however, judged to be serious enough directly responsible high bee mortality ultimate colony collapse are associated arrival in a hive. Some 8.5% exhibited morphological deformities deformity positively mites brood cells. Deformed were, found categories parasitosis, suggesting other factors, such as infectious agents, may involved. Mites fed on either live or dead U14C- labelled acquired label within 24 h it calculated an adult consumes 0.67 μl haemolymph h−1. demonstrated 14C transmitted previously non-radio-labelled when had been feeding changed hosts. level transfer above which could have arisen through contamination mites' mouthparts supports suggestion is important vector pathogens viruses.