Wanted: Damaged Mites

[Dave W]

Over the years, I have counted a lot of Varroa mites :)

Never, not once, have I found any that looked like they had been damaged in any way.
Some are dead, some alive, but never damaged.

I would like to see a sample of "damaged mites".

Would someone like to collect a few, maybe place them between clear "book tape" and mail them to me?

Please reply by Private Mail.

Thanx

[Sr. Tanya]

Dave W,

I'm interested in what you want with them. I wish all of them were damaged to extent that they were dead!! :D

Tanya

[Dave W]

Sr. Tanya . . .

Guess I'm nuts :) but . . .
I just want to SEE a mite that has been damaged by a bee(s) in the process of removal.

I have lots of mites of my "own" (some under each arm, some in my hair :) :)), but they are never damaged. I guess they have just fallen off on their own, or died of old age.

[Michael Bush]

Last I looked I couldn't find one mite. I'll try again in the spring and see what I can find for you.

[naturebee]

I would like to see a sample of "damaged mites".
Thanx

My friend Rodger sent me this link awhile back.
We occasionally discuss observations with ferals
and grooming behaviors.
Hope it helps.

http://www.kilty.demon.co.uk/beekeeping/improvement.htm

I also have an interesting article from the results of Rodgers study
on what he termed ‘compression’ and it's influence on grooming.
behavior,,, If I can still locate it, I will send it.

In looking at Rodgers compression results and it’s affects on mite
fall and grooming ie: increased damaged mites. I proposed a
theory back to him based on my observations with open air
feral bee nests:
It is plausible that the screened bottom boards mode of
action is, that it creates this compression in the colony and
thus increases grooming behavior. And the popular belief
that the mode of action is mites falling through the mesh
and not able to return, actually NOT the real reason for their
effectiveness, but instead, the increased compression the mode
of action. Also, observations suggest, this compression Rodger
describes exists in elongated type feral bee nests, and may be
a contributing factor in their mite suppression, In my opinion.

Best Wishes
Joe

[Dave W]

Joe . . .

Thanx for the info. Photos were very interesting :)

[Robert Brenchley]

My bees originated with nucs I bought from James. I've seen pupae being removed, as he describes, and I've experienced the biting behaviour many times. They grab a hair and pull, and it's surprisingly painful. It's very easy to see whether pupae are being removed. An area of newly capped cells should show a good solid pattern, as normal. Then a few days later, some cappings will be removed, revealing pupae at the pink eye stage (about the 14th day). After a few days, depending on the number of 'spare' bees present over and above the number needed to service the brood, these will be removed, either on one piece, or by chewing them away. This will then leave the older capped brood looking like a case of pepperpot brood.

One thing I haven't yet done is put a lens on the dead mites; I'll have a look during the year.