Aethina tumida

Murray, 1867

Small Hive Beetle, SHB

is an pest native to sub-Saharan Africa that has spread globally, causing significant damage to European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. are small, reddish-brown to dark brown beetles with clubbed . Females can lay up to 2,000 , and larvae feed on , honey, and pollen, producing that promotes fungal fermentation and creates a slimy, unusable mess in hives. The has demonstrated potential for beneficial use in circular economy applications, converting excess bee pollen into animal feed and biomanure.

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Aethina tumida 5025048 by James D. Ellis, University of Florida. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aethina tumida: //ˈaɪ.θɪ.nə/ /ˈtuː.mɪ.də//

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Identification

Small, oval beetles approximately 5–7 mm in length. range from reddish-brown to nearly black in color. are distinctly clubbed (), a characteristic feature of the Nitidulidae. Larvae are whitish, -like, and can be distinguished from other hive pests by their size and . When disturbed, adults exhibit characteristic defensive behaviors: running rapidly, hiding in crevices, dropping from surfaces, and retracting legs beneath the body.

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Habitat

Primarily associated with colonies (Apis mellifera), including active hives, stored equipment, and abandoned nests. Larvae leave colonies to pupate in surrounding soil. In its native African range, primarily infests weak or stressed colonies; in introduced ranges, attacks healthy commercial colonies.

Distribution

Native to sub-Saharan Africa. Introduced and established in North America (first detected in Florida, 1998; now present throughout USA), Australia, Central America ( Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala), and other regions. Detected in Egypt and poses threat to European . Spread facilitated by international trade in bees and products, and natural by .

Diet

and larvae consume and larvae, honey, pollen, and beebread. Larvae are particularly destructive, tunneling through combs and causing fermentation through accumulation. Has been successfully reared on excess stored pollen in controlled settings.

Host Associations

Apis mellifera - primary European honey bee; severe pest in commercial colonies
African subspecies of Apis mellifera - native minor pest of weak or stressed colonies in native range
Bombus impatiens - potential documented potential for shift to bumblebee colonies

Life Cycle

Complete with four stages: , larva, pupa, . Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices within hives. Larvae pass through multiple instars, feeding within the colony before exiting to pupate in soil. occurs underground. Adults can live for extended periods and are attracted to hive odors from long distances.

Behavior

exhibit several evasion to avoid defense: rapid running, hiding in hive crevices, dropping from surfaces, and leg retraction. Adults have been observed soliciting food from bees by antennal contact with . Larvae crawl long distances to locate sites. Strong capability enables between colonies.

Ecological Role

In native range: minor pest, primarily affecting weak colonies; part of natural dynamics. In introduced range: significant pest causing colony destruction and economic losses in apiculture. Potential beneficial role in waste conversion: larvae efficiently convert excess pollen into protein-rich and nitrogen-dense for animal feed and fertilizer.

Human Relevance

Major economic pest of commercial , causing millions of dollars in damage through colony destruction, honey spoilage, and equipment . Subject to including cultural controls, trapping, chemical treatments, and using . Research interest in circular economy applications for waste valorization. International trade regulations and biosecurity measures focus on limiting spread.