VarroaMaumale

VarroaMaumale is a species described within the genus Varroa, identified from honey bee apiaries in the Maumale region. It is an ectoparasitic mite that infests Apis mellifera and related species, feeding on hemolymph and weakening colonies. Like other Varroa species, it is associated with the transmission of viral pathogens such as deformed wing virus, contributing to colony decline in infested hives.

Taxonomy and distinguishing features: VarroaMaumale is placed in the family Varroidae, order Mesostigmata. It is differentiated from Varroa destructor by morphological characteristics of the dorsal shield and setae patterns, and by host association and molecular markers that define it as a distinct species. The holotype was collected from apiaries in Maumale, establishing the type locality.

Life cycle and biology: The mite spends part of its life cycle on adult bees in a phoretic phase and reproduces inside brood cells. Female mites lay eggs in capped brood cells; larvae feed on the bee’s hemolymph and develop into mobile adults that emerge with the host bee. Reproduction rate increases with brood availability, influencing infestation intensity.

Distribution and impact: Known from the Maumale region, with potential to spread to neighboring apiaries through colony movement and equipment transfer. VarroaMaumale can exacerbate colony losses and increase costs for beekeeping by necessitating acaricide treatments and management practices, while also acting as a vector for bee pathogens.

Management and research: Monitoring methods used for Varroa mites, such as alcohol washes and sugar shakes, are applicable to VarroaMaumale. Integrated pest management approaches—chemical treatments, drone brood removal, and use of mite-resistant bee stocks—are recommended, with ongoing research into biology, resistance management, and potential biological control options.