Aethina tumida

Definition

A nitidulid beetle species, the small hive beetle, that parasitizes honey bee colonies by feeding on pollen, brood, and hive debris; larvae tunnel through comb causing fermentation and structural collapse. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it has become an invasive pest of Apis mellifera in North America, Australia, and other regions outside its range.

Etymology

Latin: Aethina (genus name, from Greek aithō 'to burn, blaze', perhaps referring to coloration); tumida 'swollen, protuberant', likely describing body form

Example

Aethina tumida larvae defecate in honeycomb, introducing yeasts that ferment honey and produce a slimy, unusable mess; heavy infestations cause bees to abandon hives.

Synonyms

• Small hive beetle
• SHB

Related Terms

• Nitidulidae
• Apis mellifera
• hive pest
• Invasive species
• melissopalynology
• pollen beetle

Usage Notes

Often abbreviated SHB in beekeeping literature. Distinguish from other Aethina species that are not hive pests. The species epithet is sometimes misspelled 'tumidus' in older sources. Management relies on chemical traps, hive design modifications, and hygienic bee stock selection.