Honey-bees
Guides
Dermanyssoidea
Dermanyssoidea is a superfamily of parasitiform mites (Mesostigmata) comprising 21 families, most of which are parasites of vertebrates. The superfamily exhibits exceptional morphological diversity reflecting varied parasitic strategies, from permanent ectoparasites to facultative nest-dwelling forms. Host associations span birds, rodents, bats, snakes, marine mammals, and honey bees. Parasitism has evolved independently at least eight times within the group. Some species are significant vectors of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and nematodes.
Varroidae
Varroidae is a family of parasitic mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing the economically significant genus Varroa. Members are obligate ectoparasites of honey bees (Apis spp.), with Varroa destructor being the most destructive species affecting managed European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. These mites have a two-stage life cycle involving a phoretic traveling phase on adult bees and a reproductive phase within brood cells. The family has become a major focus of apicultural research due to the severe colony losses attributed to Varroa infestations, disease transmission, and the mites' role in honey bee population declines.