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Varroa management in small bites
Author(s) -
Fagan L. L.,
Nelson W. R.,
Meenken E. D.,
Howlett B. G.,
Walker M. K.,
Donovan B. J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2011.01666.x
Subject(s) - biology , varroa , zoology , beekeeping , honey bee , ecology
Chelifers (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpionida), also known as pseudoscorpions, have been reported to be beneficial honeybee hive generalist pest predators for over 100 years and are occasionally noted by beekeepers in their hives. We collected chelifers within or closely associated with beehives in New Zealand. Under video observation conditions, they predated upon varroa mites while studiously ignoring bee larvae. Varroa mites reproduce at exponential rates during the spring season, and current chemical miticides rely on single treatments aiming for at least 90% control. An alternate strategy, removal of mites at a rate matching their reproductive capacity, although mathematically obvious, fails unless a suitable biological control agent is available. Our observations build on over 100 years of sporadic work to provide further evidence that chelifers show clear potential to be a suitable predator for varroa management in beehives. Approximately 25 chelifers can be expected to manage varroa populations in a single hive.