Apis-mellifera
Guides
Apis
Honey Bees, Honeybees
Apis is a genus of eusocial bees comprising approximately 7–12 extant species, primarily distinguished by honey production, wax nest construction, and perennial colonial life cycles. The genus is endemic to Africa, Europe, and Asia, with all but one species (Apis mellifera) native to Asia. Species are categorized into three groups: giant honey bees (A. dorsata and relatives), dwarf honey bees (A. florea and A. andreniformis), and cavity-nesting honey bees (A. mellifera, A. cerana, and relatives). Apis species are critical pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops, though research indicates they are rarely the most effective single-visit pollinators compared to wild bee taxa.
Braula coeca
bee louse, bee fly, braulid
Braula coeca is a tiny, wingless fly in the family Braulidae that lives as an ectoparasite or commensalist in colonies of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Adults attach to adult bees and feed by stealing food from the host's mouth during trophallaxis. The species possesses highly specialized attachment structures adapted to grip the bee's hairy surface, with claw morphology featuring comb-like teeth that match bee hair diameter. Host selection is mediated by detection of mandibular gland pheromones, particularly queen substance and worker substance, allowing the louse to target bees with higher trophallactic activity.
Varroa
Varroa Mites
Varroa is a genus of parasitic mesostigmatan mites that are obligate ectoparasites of honey bees (Apis spp.). The genus contains four species, with Varroa destructor being the most significant pest of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide. Originally parasites of Asian honey bees (Apis cerana) in mainland Asia, these mites have spread globally through beekeeping activities. V. destructor is recognized as the most devastating pest of managed honey bees, causing colony losses through direct parasitism and by vectoring viruses such as deformed wing virus. The genus was named for Marcus Terentius Varro, a Roman scholar and beekeeper.
Varroa destructor
Varroa mite
Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite and the most damaging pest of managed honey bee colonies worldwide. The species originally parasitized the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) but host-shifted to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), causing catastrophic colony losses. Adult female mites feed on the fat body tissue of adult bees and larvae, while reproducing exclusively within sealed brood cells. The mite vectors at least five debilitating bee viruses, including deformed wing virus, and colonies without management typically collapse within 2–3 years.