Braula coeca

Distinguished from other Braulidae by association with Apis mellifera; Megabraula species occur on different Apis species. Wingless condition and minute size separate from other Diptera. Claw morphology with comb-like teeth is diagnostic for the family. Specific identification requires examination of host association and subtle morphological features.

Tiny wingless fly. Adults lack functional wings and halteres, with reduced eyes. Tarsi equipped with strongly broadened claws split into numerous comb-like teeth that match the diameter of bee hairs. Lateral stoppers on tarsal segments prevent overflexion. Body size minute relative to host.

Exclusively within colonies of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Found on adult bees within the hive environment, attached to the hairy surfaces of workers, queens, and drones.

Distribution coincides with that of its host Apis mellifera. Present in honey bee colonies across the host's range. GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Feeds by stealing food from the mouth of host bees during trophallaxis; specifically takes regurgitated nectar, honey, or other food materials from the host's mandibles.

• Apis mellifera - ectoparasite/commensalistWestern honey bee; primary and obligate host. Attaches to workers, queens, and drones with varying prevalence.

Adults attach to host bees using specialized tarsal claws that generate strong friction against bee hairs, with safety factors around 1130 times body weight. Host selection involves eavesdropping on mandibular gland pheromones, showing preference for bees with higher concentrations of queen substance (9-oxo-2(E)-decenoic acid) and worker substance (10-hydroxy-2(E)-decenoic acid). Can rapidly detach by tarsal chain torsion. Remounts preferred hosts after removal.

Ectoparasite or commensalist in honey bee colonies. Impact on host fitness is generally considered minor, though classified as pest in some contexts.

Minor pest of managed honey bee colonies. Occasionally noted in beekeeping contexts but rarely requires active management. Presence indicates colony activity but generally not economically significant.

• Megabraula speciesOther genus in Braulidae; distinguished by host association with different Apis species (e.g., Apis dorsata, A. cerana) rather than A. mellifera
• Other wingless Diptera (e.g., some Hippoboscidae)Superficially similar wingless condition; distinguished by claw morphology, host specificity to bees, and tarsal structure

• Diptera
• Braulidae
• ectoparasite
• honey bee
• wingless
• Apis mellifera
• trophallaxis
• pheromone eavesdropping
• attachment
• commensalism

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
• Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Another Jumper
• Beelouse, Braula coeca Nitzsch (Insecta: Diptera: Braulidae)
• Bee louse, bee fly, braulid, Braula coeca Nitzsch (Insecta: Diptera: Braulidae)
• Distribution of the Bee LouseBraula CoecaNitzsch in Honeybee Colonies and its Preferences Among Workers, Queens and Drones
• A Hitchhiker’s Ride: The Honey Bee Louse Braula Coeca (Diptera: Braulidae) Selects its Host by Eavesdropping
• The exceptional attachment ability of the ectoparasitic bee louse Braula coeca (Diptera, Braulidae) on the honeybee
• The sensory physiology and behaviour of the Honeybee LouseBraula coeca Nitzcsh (Diptera, Braulidae)